Why Fixing Hotspots And Preventive Maintenance Matter
Power outages are never convenient, and many of us in Bacolod City recently experienced early morning brownouts that left us wondering why. However, these temporary interruptions are part of an essential process to keep our city’s power supply running smoothly. Negros Power, responsible for maintaining parts of our electrical infrastructure, is conducting preventive maintenance to fix hotspots. Let’s explore why this work is so important and how it benefits us all.
What is a Hotspot?
A hotspot is a section of the power line that becomes dangerously hot. This happens when electrical connections become loose, worn out, or damaged over time. As these faults increase resistance, they also increase the temperature of the connection. Left unchecked, hotspots can lead to major equipment failures or unscheduled power outages. Imagine losing power unexpectedly for hours or even days — this is exactly what Negros Power is trying to avoid.
Detecting Hotspots Early
Negros Power uses thermal scanners to detect these hotspots in their transmission lines. These devices help spot abnormal heat build-ups before they become a bigger issue. Recently, the company detected hotspots on a 69KV transmission line that connects the NGCP substation in Brgy. Mansilingan to Brgy. Bata, which supplies power to the Burgos Substation. If left unaddressed, these hotspots could cause severe damage, resulting in widespread power interruptions.
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance
To avoid sudden, long-lasting outages, Negros Power schedules preventive maintenance. By addressing the problem before it escalates, they ensure the power system continues running efficiently. In the case of the recent brownouts, maintenance was scheduled from 2 AM to 5 AM, a time when most of us are asleep, and power demand is low. This minimizes the impact on daily activities while allowing linemen to safely and quickly fix the hotspots.
Why Early Morning Power Outages?
You might ask why the brownouts occur so early in the morning. The answer is simple: fewer people rely on electricity at this time, and demand is lower. Early morning outages also allow Negros Power’s linemen to work more efficiently and with less risk. Though the power may be off for a few hours, this small inconvenience prevents much bigger, unexpected outages down the road.
A Long-Term Plan for Reliable Power
Fixing hotspots is part of Negros Power’s broader 5-year rehabilitation and development plan. They aim to upgrade the city’s electrical system and ensure a more reliable supply of electricity. Although scheduled outages may continue as they work on these improvements, the long-term goal is fewer unplanned interruptions and a stronger, more dependable power network.
What You Can Do to Prepare
Negros Power advises consumers to prepare in advance for these scheduled outages. Simple steps like charging your phones, laptops, and other essential devices the night before can help reduce the inconvenience. And while it may be frustrating to lose power for a few hours, these outages are crucial for maintaining a safe and stable power grid.
A Call for Understanding
Negros Power understands that power interruptions can be frustrating, but they are working hard to prevent worse scenarios. Their goal is to make the system safer and more reliable for everyone in Bacolod. The company continues to appeal for the understanding and cooperation of its consumers during this period of necessary upgrades.
In the end, fixing hotspots and conducting preventive maintenance is all about keeping the lights on. By addressing these issues early, Negros Power is ensuring that Bacolod’s power supply remains stable and dependable for years to come.
