Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) on Friday (May 9) said that it is fully prepared to ensure reliable power supply throughout the May 12 polls, with a comprehensive contingency plan dubbed “Oplan Halalan 2025”.
This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to supporting democratic processes by guaranteeing a stable power grid before, during, and after election day.
Negros Power’s franchise covers a significant portion of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Talisay City, Silay City, Bago City, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto.
The company’s Oplan Halalan 2025 plan encompasses 159 participating schools, seven canvassing centers, and one Commission on Elections (Comelec) technology hub supported by a total substation capacity of 281 MVA, 11 substations, 13 power transformers, and 47 feeder lines.
Negros Power has already completed key infrastructure improvements and preventive maintenance activities.
These include Bacolod-Silay 69kV line rehabilitation to ensure the reliability of this critical transmission line; Alijis Transformer 2 Energization, with an 18 MVA capacity added to enhance power distribution in the area; and Substation Readiness to ensure all substations are fully energized and operational.
Others include hotspot inspections and transformer maintenance by identifying and addressing potential issues to prevent outages; activation of satellite warehouses in ensuring the immediate availability of materials and equipment for swift response to any incidents; and standby generator units, with three generator units are being prepared for backup power in case of outages.
Power loads for feeders and transformers are being monitored and maintained below 70 percent capacity to prevent overloading on election day.
During election operations, a dedicated Oplan Halalan 2025 Command Center has been activated to monitor the grid 24/7 and respond swiftly to incidents.
A total of 37 field crews are strategically deployed across the franchise area to address technical issues and 20 roving teams will be on standby to provide support and address immediate concerns.
The Command Center will operate in full coordination with the Department of Energy and the Comelec to ensure seamless communication and rapid response.
Following the elections, Negros Power will conduct a comprehensive performance assessment to review the effectiveness of their response and identify areas for infrastructure enhancement.
Teams and resources will remain on standby for two additional days to support any election-related facilities that may require assistance and will participate in clean-up drives to remove election paraphernalia posted on poles, trees, and other common poster areas.
Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo, chief operations officer of Negros Power, emphasized the company’s preparedness, saying it is fully prepared for the upcoming elections with a robust contingency plan in place.
“Our command center is now operational and equipped to oversee all field operations. Preventive maintenance across all polling places and canvassing centers has been completed to ensure optimal functionality of all systems. Hotspot corrections within school internal systems have been addressed, and distribution transformers and service drop wires have been uprated to enhance reliability,” he added.
“We will address any issues near the precincts. Technical and community relations teams will conduct roving around schools, marshalling, and to address any technical or community needs. Operations will run in two shifts, from 5 a.m. until ballot counting concludes,” he added.
On Saturday (May 10), a dry run will simulate procedures and communication protocols, utilizing a reporting app that utilizes field reports in real time on the command center dashboard, reporting, and response processes, ensuring the systems are ready for a seamless election day. ||
