Power Restoration Developments In Central Negros Following Typhoon Tino
When Typhoon Tino struck Negros Island with winds reaching 220 kph, communities across Bacolod and Central Negros once again faced the harsh reality of living in a typhoon-prone region. Trees that had endured previous storms, including Typhoon Odette in 2021, were uprooted. Power infrastructures suffered heavy damage as substations, poles, and lines were brought down by the storm’s force. The scale of destruction was familiar — but the speed of recovery this time was not.
In the days that followed, many residents observed how quickly lights began returning to homes and businesses. Streets that were once dark and silent started to show signs of recovery. This raised an important question: How would the situation have unfolded if the former distribution utility still managed the network?
A look at the response to Typhoon Odette provides a useful comparison. Under the previous provider, full restoration took more than a month, even with external support from various electric cooperatives and emergency response groups. The prolonged outage left families struggling and local businesses dealing with significant financial losses.
Typhoon Tino presented an equally difficult challenge, yet the outcome under Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) proved remarkably different. Nearly 95% of affected customers regained electricity within two weeks, while thousands were re-energized within just a few days. This swift recovery highlighted the impact of improved planning, modern systems, and a more responsive management approach.
Key Factors Behind the Fast Restoration
NEPC’s rapid response was not a matter of luck. It was the result of clear preparation and coordinated action. Several strategies played a major role:
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1. Advance Activation of Response Plans
Before the storm’s arrival, teams were already placed on alert. This allowed immediate deployment as soon as weather conditions permitted.
2. Augmentation Support from Partner Utilities
Technical crews from Iloilo, Bohol, and a private utility in Cagayan were mobilized to reinforce local teams, ensuring continuous progress in rebuilding the network.
3. Ready Stock of Materials and Equipment
Supplies and heavy equipment were pre-positioned, preventing delays that often occur when materials are requested only after damage has been assessed.
4. Close Coordination with Local Government Units and Volunteers
Clearing operations advanced quickly because of unified efforts among NEPC crews, LGUs, emergency responders, and community volunteers.
These actions demonstrated the advantages of modernized utility operations — efficient teamwork, stronger resource allocation, and clear restoration protocols.
A Turning Point for Central Negros
The privatization of the Central Negros distribution utility was once a widely debated issue. However, Typhoon Tino has become a crucial example of how updated systems and focused management can significantly improve response times during major calamities. While no provider is exempt from public pressure — especially during large-scale outages — the visible progress on the ground reflects a level of preparedness that consumers had long hoped for.
Looking Ahead: What Consumers Can Expect
NEPC is currently in the first year of its five-year rehabilitation and modernization plan. Despite this early stage, the improvements witnessed during Typhoon Tino’s aftermath provide a strong indication of what lies ahead. The long-term plan includes:
- Stronger and more resilient grid infrastructure
- Upgraded facilities capable of handling severe typhoons
- Increased system reliability across Central Negros
- Restoration timelines shortened from weeks to only a few days in future disasters
The developments mirror successful efforts implemented by MORE Power in Iloilo — an experience that provides a solid template for what Central Negros can achieve in the coming years.
Final Insight
Typhoon Tino tested the strength of Negros Island once again, but it also revealed how modernized energy services can transform disaster recovery. The swift restoration led by NEPC demonstrated preparedness, investment, and a renewed commitment to continuous improvement. As the rehabilitation program progresses, residents can look forward to a more reliable, responsive, and resilient power system — one that can better support households, businesses, and communities during both ordinary days and extreme weather events.
