Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) reported that it has made significant progress in improving infrastructure and service reliability nine months after taking over electric distribution operations in central Negros.
Since taking over in August 2024, Negros Power has rolled out a suite of modernization efforts that include cutting-edge technologies like centralized control centers, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, drone-based aerial surveys, thermal scanning, and Geographic Information System asset mapping.
Roel Castro, Negros Power president and chief executive officer, outlined these advancements in a recent briefing with Visayas’ consumer and business stakeholders.
“From day one, our goal has been to modernize the system, restore public confidence, and extend reliable, responsive electric service to all,” he said, adding that it will take four more years for consumers to fully experience the benefits of the company’s rehabilitation plans.
Among the most notable achievements in the past nine months, according to Castro, is the complete rehabilitation of the Alijis Substation, which is now equipped with new and uprated power transformers.
Additional improvements were carried out in other substations to enhance system capacity and resilience, he added.
Negros Power also reported to have successfully rehabilitated the entire 30-kilometer Bacolod–Silay 69kV sub-transmission line, replacing aging poles and installing new pin insulators, with massive vegetation clearing initiative complementing the effort, reducing the risks of outages and improving system reliability.
To further improve service continuity, Negros Power installed automatic circuit reclosers, load break, and disconnect switches, replaced bare wires with insulated lines, and added rubber inserts to minimize animal intrusions.
This resulted in a significant reduction in the frequency and duration of power interruptions, it claimed.
Energy-efficient distribution transformers were strategically installed and uprated across the franchise area, helping manage load more effectively while improving power quality for consumers.
The company also intensified efforts to reduce system loss by initiating strict anti-electricity pilferage campaigns, ensuring accountability, and protecting legitimate consumers from losses due to illegal connections.
Negros Power also replaced thousands of defective and outdated electric meters with new, digital models at no additional cost to consumers.
To further improve convenience, the company activated over 100 new payment centers, increasing accessibility for bill payments, the application process for new connections was streamlined, with the utility now actively assisting applicants with permit processing at the Office of the Building Official.
Negros Power established a 24/7 customer service team accessible through dedicated helplines and Facebook Messenger, while maintaining consistent advisories and real-time service updates through social media platforms.
One of the most impactful initiatives, according to Negros Power, is the Sitio Electrification Program, which has already begun energizing remote and previously unserved communities.
This effort involves installing new poles, transformers, and meters, providing reliable power access to areas that had long been in the dark.
“We did it in 17 sitios and invested nearly P26 million, benefiting 1,671 households,” Castro said.
Real-time monitoring of response times has also been activated to improve emergency handling and maintenance work.
Castro also reported that the Underground Distribution System project in Lacson Street is underway and expected to be completed before Bacolod’s Masskara Festival in October.
Despite the wave of infrastructure investments, Negros Power said it also maintained the lowest average rates in the region.
This was achieved through strategic power supply contracting and diligent monitoring of spot market prices to secure the most competitive generation mix.
FEEDBACK
Frank Carbon, co-chair of the Energy and Power Committee of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Visayas and former president of Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that stable and modern power is essential to economic growth.
Carbon added that the direction Negros Power is taking is exactly what Bacolod and the rest of Central Negros need.
Atty. Arnel Lapore, Ceneco general manager noted, “Negros Power’s efficient management and clear vision have brought much-needed improvements.”
Christian Weber of Amlig Kuryente also commended Negros Power for a job well done. ||
