• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC or Negros Power) secured from the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod a resolution interposing no objection (RONO) for its 69kV sub-transmission line projects.
These include the new Capitol-Gonzaga 69kV Sub-Transmission Line (TL), new Megaworld 69kV Sub-TL, new Megaworld-Gonzaga 69kV Sub-TL, and the uprating of the Bacolod-Bata 69kV Sub-TL.
“These projects form part of Negros Power’s five-year development plan and are intended to strengthen power reliability, system resiliency, and long-term capacity in key commercial, institutional, and growth corridors” of Bacolod City, Engr. Joe-Mel Zaporteza, vice president and chief operating officer of NEPC, said in his letter to Councilor Bobby Rojas, chairperson of the SP Committee on Energy and Public Utilities.
Rojas, who authored the proposed RONO approved by the SP March 18, stressed that the resolution is “subject to continued coordination with concerned city offices and barangays to ensure compliance with applicable safety, environmental, and traffic management regulations.”
He said that, per NEPC, these projects are aimed “at strengthening the capacity and reliability of the electrical infrastructure of Bacolod, in anticipation of the increasing demand brought about by the urban and commercial growth of the city.”
Based on the NEPC presentation to the SP last month, the new Capitol-Gonzaga 69kV sub-TL will cover Mabini, Galo, San Juan, and Fr. M. Ferrero streets, with 2.4 kilometers line and 41 poles; 1.6km line and 31 poles for the new Megaworld 69kV sub-TL covering Burgos Avenue to Lopez Jaena Street; 0.7km line and 12 poles, covering Gonzaga and Lopez Jaena streets for the new Megaworld-Gonzaga 69kV sub-TL; and replacement of five poles and installation midspan of 11 poles in the uprating of conductor for the Bata 69kV sub-TL along Hernaez Street and Circumferential Road.
The RONO request is for the orderly permitting and right-of-way processes, alignment with city development plans and barangay concerns, and to minimize disruption to traffic, businesses, and communities during implementation, Zaporteza said.
“In five years, Negros Power will have enhanced reliability, upgraded systems, improved safety, implemented maintenance, and increased efficiency improved substation performance,” he added. | CGC
