Negros Power Races To Restore Electricity Across Central Negros After Super Typhoon Tino
Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) continues to focus all efforts on restoring power to its franchise areas following the widespread damage caused by Super Typhoon Tino. The company reaffirmed that full restoration remains its highest priority as thousands of households and businesses across Bacolod, Talisay, Silay, Murcia, Bago, and Don Salvador Benedicto await the return of electricity.
During a press briefing on November 5, Negros Power officials described the situation as “challenging but under control”, noting that their teams have been working non-stop since the storm struck. At the height of Typhoon Tino, five subtransmission lines went down, cutting power to all 11 substations, while 35 out of 47 major feeders were knocked out, leaving most of Central Negros in darkness.
As of 9AM, the company reported that around 217,000 customers — representing 87% of total consumers — were still experiencing outages. To speed up restoration, 77 restoration teams have been deployed to affected areas, clearing debris, fixing downed poles, and reconnecting lines.
“We are prioritizing critical areas such as hospitals, water systems, and emergency facilities while progressively restoring power in residential zones,” said Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, Chief Operations Officer and Chief Technical Officer of Negros Power. “We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as our crews continue round-the-clock restoration work.”
Parallel Clearing and Restoration Operations
Negros Power is conducting simultaneous clearing and restoration operations across all impacted areas. Clearing involves removing vegetation, repairing broken poles, and securing loose or downed wires. The company emphasized that no area will be energized until clearing and safety checks are fully completed.
“This ensures that restoration is done safely for both our consumers and our personnel,” Del Castillo added.
Extent of the Damage
Negros Power’s latest assessment revealed widespread damage across its service areas, including:
- 271 damaged conductors
- 96 broken poles
- 23 destroyed crossarms
- 15 shattered insulators
- 201 cases of vegetation obstruction caused by fallen trees and debris
Bacolod City suffered the heaviest blow, with 175 damaged conductors and 65 toppled poles disrupting major distribution lines.
Gradual Restoration Updates
Despite the scale of destruction, Negros Power reported significant progress in several areas:
- Burgos Feeders: 46% to 82% energized
- Mountain View Feeders: MF4 at 5%; MF5 fully restored
- Talisay Feeders: 9% to 20% energized
- Alijis Feeders: Partial restoration of AF4 and AF8 completed Tuesday
- Reclamation Feeders: RF2 and RF5 fully restored; portions of RF1 and RF4 reconnected
Crews continue to work day and night, supported by mobile warehouses, equipment hubs, and 24-hour customer service hotlines. Negros Power also urged residents to report fallen wires or electrical hazards through official communication channels for prompt response.
Commitment to Full Restoration
Despite the overwhelming damage left by Typhoon Tino, Negros Power assured the public that every available resource — from manpower and technical equipment to logistics support — is being maximized to hasten full restoration.
“We understand how crucial electricity is, especially in recovery. Every line we reconnect brings families one step closer to normalcy,” Del Castillo emphasized.
As efforts continue, the company remains steadfast in its mission to restore light and stability to the homes and communities of Central Negros.
