Negros Power Engages Fully In Rehabilitation Efforts To Enhance Power Reliability

Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) is pressing forward with its extensive five-year rehabilitation and modernization plan aimed at revitalizing power facilities previously managed by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO). This initiative, which received provisional approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), grants Negros Power the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN). This certificate provides Negros Power with the authority to manage, maintain, and distribute electric power across Central Negros, marking a pivotal step in addressing the region’s infrastructure needs.

Urgent Actions for Aged Substations

Over the weekend, Negros Power took immediate action by initiating crucial rehabilitation and corrective measures at two critical substations — the Reclamation and Asdez-Gonzaga substations in Bacolod City. These facilities have experienced significant wear and tear due to their age and heavy usage, necessitating an extensive overhaul to improve their reliability. The rehabilitation activities include:

1. Degassing of Power Transformers: This measure helps in removing trapped gases within the transformers, preventing overheating and potential breakdowns.

2. Hotspot Corrections: By addressing specific areas prone to excessive heat, Negros Power aims to prevent failures similar to those experienced at the Alijis Substation in August.

Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro emphasized the critical importance of these actions, noting that seven out of twelve transformers in the service area have exceeded the industry-standard operational lifespan of 25 years. “We cannot waste more time. We need to implement the rehabilitation now,” Castro stated, highlighting that signs of deterioration, such as oil leakage in transformers, indicate a high risk of malfunction. He cited the recent Alijis Substation failure as an example of the consequences of deferred maintenance.

Planned Interruptions for Long-Term Stability

With the CPCN in place, Negros Power is committed to delivering a more reliable and consistent power supply for Central Negros residents. However, the rehabilitation activities require scheduled power interruptions lasting 10 to 12 hours, necessary for thorough maintenance and preventive work. Castro appealed for understanding from consumers, explaining that these scheduled outages are critical to avoiding more frequent, prolonged, and unplanned blackouts in the future. “We empathize with the inconvenience that it will cause our consumers,” he stated. “However, this will prevent unscheduled, longer, and wider blackouts that none of us want to experience.”

Community Cooperation for a Brighter Energy Future

In addition to ERC’s support, Negros Power’s rehabilitation plan has gained endorsement from consumer advocacy groups like the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS). ACCESS President Wennie Sancho emphasized the importance of consumer cooperation in achieving the long-term benefits of this modernization plan. “The consumers must cooperate fully so that together with Negros Power, we can successfully navigate its five-year Development Plan and create a brighter energy future for all,” he said, underscoring the initiative’s mission to deliver efficient and essential services to the community.

Conclusion

Negros Power’s proactive steps in facility rehabilitation, empowered by the CPCN, are not only a response to the challenges of an aging power infrastructure but also a commitment to a sustainable energy future for Central Negros. The five-year plan sets a foundation for a resilient power distribution system that can better meet the needs of the region’s residents. Although temporary outages are anticipated as the plan progresses, the efforts promise enhanced stability and reliability, securing a more robust energy network that will serve the community’s growing demands.

Through collaboration and patience from the community, Negros Power’s modernization program aims to transform the energy landscape in Central Negros, minimizing disruptions and enhancing service quality for years to come.