Negros: Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) on Monday assured consumers in Central Negros of a more resilient infrastructure and reliable power supply following rehabilitation works in key portions of its network.
According to Philippines News Agency, Engr. Mervin Dalian, assistant vice president of the Network Development and Operations Group, said the project was completed on Feb. 22 and 23 and focused on critical areas connected to the Burgos Feeder 3 and the 69-kilovolt (kV) Bacolod-Silay Subtransmission Line.
"We are prioritizing preemptive upgrades to mitigate risks before calamities strike. We are doing this massive rehabilitation in preparation for possible typhoons," he said. "We have successfully replaced old poles and insulators. This proactive approach reflects Negros Power's commitment to ensuring a reliable and efficient power system for the entire franchise area," Dalian said.
In particular, Negros Power replaced 18 aging poles, installed 235 new pin insulators, and deployed tree wires from Barangay Granada to Barangay Alangilan in this city. Seven deteriorating poles and three insulators were also replaced along the 69kV Bacolod-Silay Subtransmission Line.
The rehabilitation is part of the power firm's PHP2.1-billion five-year rehabilitation and modernization program, which focuses on identifying and addressing high-risk areas to ensure continuous and uninterrupted service for all consumers. Negros Power president and chief executive officer Roel Castro earlier said the first three years will be the rehabilitation and standardization phase, including meter replacement and installation of elevated metering centers, rehabilitation of major substations, and improvement of infrastructure such as pole replacement, intermediate installation, and line rehabilitation. He said the fourth and fifth years will be the modernization and expansion phase.
Negros Power, the joint venture partner of Central Negros Electric Cooperative, obtained a franchise in July last year to manage and operate the electricity distribution system in the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, and Silay, as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
