• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) has restored 96.30 percent of electricity in its entire franchise area as of Nov. 19.
It distributes power to consumers in the cities of Bacolod, Silay, Bago, and Talisay as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental.
Following the 100 percent power restoration in its major system components, to include sub-transmission lines, substations and feeders, Negros Power said it has already energized homes of its 157,646 customers while 977 others are still awaiting final restoration.
In the entire franchise area, the distribution utility said it has energized 96.30 percent of its 244,915 customers.
The remaining 3.70 percent, whose residences are located in most heavily affected and remote areas, are also awaiting final restoration.
Negros Power attributed the slower restoration in heavily damaged areas to the manual hauling and installation of toppled poles due to severely damaged meters on poles and service wire connections.
Such requires promissory note before connection in privately-owned poles and transformers and unrepaired service entrances in typhoon-damaged houses.
Admitting that these challenges demand intensive manpower and coordination, the distribution utility gave an assurance that its crews are being deployed 24/7 to complete the remaining work swiftly and safely.
Negros Power thanked government officials, barangay leaders, volunteers, and partner agencies whose collective efforts have helped them, in fast tracking restoration.
This progress reflects the “bayanihan” spirit of communities working together toward recovery, it added. | GB
