• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
In line with its five-year rehabilitation and development plans, Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) is establishing two more power substations to support the economic growth of Bacolod City and other local government units under its franchise area.
Engr. Joe-Mel Zaporteza, vice president and chief operating officer of Negros Power, in a press briefing on Thursday, March 12 said the two power substations will be located at the Provincial Capitol and Megaworld areas, all in Bacolod City.
This will increase to 13 the number of power substations in Negros Power franchise area by mid of 2027, he added.
The continuing upgrading of Negros Power system aims to meet the growing demand for electricity, ensuring that homes, businesses, and communities receive a more stable and dependable power supply.
Negros Power expects to finish the two projects, within six to eight months.
In the past 19 months of Negros Power operations, Zaporteza said that an estimated P1.3 billion have already been spent by the distribution utility in the rehabilitation and upgrading of its facilities.
Aside from the establishment of two power substations, with a budget of about P250 million each, he also reported that P130 million has been allocated for the construction of 69kV transmission lines, a major step toward improving the reliability and stability of the electricity supply.
With stronger and more modern infrastructure, Negros Power expects the efficient flow of electricity across the grid, helping reduce outages and voltage fluctuations.
Because of the network rehabilitation in 2025, Zaporteza said that Negros Power’s major matrix, in terms of power performance, specifically the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), has improved by 38 percent.
The System Average Interruption Duration Index, which measures the length of power system interruption, improved by 67 percent. “In short, the power interruption experienced by consumers has been shortened,” he added.
Zaporteza also reported the scheduled completion of the underground cable system along Lacson St. in Bacolod City in the next few months.
He attributed the two-month delay in the target to finish to the unfavorable weather conditions, especially Typhoon Tino, in November last year.
Asked on the percentage completion of their five-year development plans, Zaporteza they are now at 39 percent.
In five years, Negros Power will have enhanced reliability, upgraded systems, improved safety, implemented maintenance, and increased efficiency, and improved substation performance. | GB
