• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Energy (DOE) has lauded the rapid and coordinated efforts of Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) and the people in its coverage area in restoring electricity after the devastation of Typhoon Tino, calling the response a “remarkable example of resilience and unity.”
“We commend the Negros Power teams and the resilient communities who have united to restore electricity with extraordinary speed and safety, even in the wake of such devastating storms,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a statement.
Three weeks after the super typhoon struck Negros and its neighboring islands, Negros Power reported that it has achieved major restoration milestones, bringing back power and a sense of normalcy to thousands of consumers across its franchise area.
As of Nov. 21, the distribution utility has energized 96.50 percent of its 244,915 affected consumers in the cities of Bacolod, Talisay, Silay and Bago as well as the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
In highly urbanized Bacolod City alone, only 812 of its 157,646 customers have yet to be energized as their respective areas were heavily affected by the typhoon.
Despite these hurdles, Negros Power assured that its crews remain deployed round-the-clock to complete the remaining restorations safely.
“Thousands of households regained electricity within the first week. This wasn’t luck. It wasn’t mere circumstance. It was preparation, investment, and competence working hand in hand,” the distribution utility said.
Negros Power acknowledged the help of government officials, barangay leaders, volunteers, and partner-agencies, who contributed personnel and assistance in speeding up recovery efforts across the region. | GB
