Addressing Brownouts In Central Negros: How Negros Power Is Tackling Vegetation Issues
Negros Power is clearing vegetation that has been identified as a major contributor to unexpected outages
Brownouts have long been a source of frustration for residents in Central Negros, and recent data from Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC), also known as Negros Power, sheds light on the primary cause: tree branches touching power lines. Astonishingly, this simple interaction between nature and infrastructure accounts for 90% of unexpected power interruptions in the region. Understanding the severity of this issue, Negros Power has initiated a comprehensive plan to mitigate these disruptions and ensure a more stable electricity supply.
The Scale of the Problem
Negros Power’s ongoing inspections and surveys have revealed nearly 2,000 instances where vegetation is in direct contact with power lines. When branches touch these lines, it can cause feeder breakers to disconnect as a protective measure, leading to widespread outages. The process of restoring power is not straightforward; it often requires line teams to manually locate the specific area where the branch is touching the line, which can be a time-consuming process given the extensive network of feeder lines.
To address the immediate problem, Negros Power has deployed teams to clear these tree branches. However, the company recognizes that this is only a temporary fix. As trees continue to grow and seasons change, the risk of vegetation interfering with power lines remains a constant threat.
A Long-Term Solution in the Works
While the temporary solution of trimming branches is necessary, Negros Power is also focused on implementing long-term strategies to prevent these brownouts from occurring in the future. The company is currently in the midst of a transition from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), a process that began on August 1. Once this transition is complete, Negros Power plans to roll out a series of upgrades aimed at modernizing the region’s electricity infrastructure.
One of the key components of this upgrade is the installation of automatic circuit reclosers on all 43 feeder lines. These devices are designed to automatically restore power after a brief interruption, significantly reducing the duration of outages caused by vegetation. In addition to reclosers, Negros Power will replace existing power lines with new insulated cables, which are less likely to be affected by tree branches. The company also plans to install load brake switches and sectionalized cut-outs, further enhancing the reliability of the power distribution system.
The Path Forward
Negros Power’s efforts to address the brownouts caused by tree branches are a crucial step toward improving the reliability of electricity in Central Negros. However, these solutions require time and resources to fully implement. As the company works to modernize the region’s power infrastructure, it is asking for patience and cooperation from consumers.
The transition from CENECO to Negros Power marks a significant change in the management of electricity distribution in Central Negros. With the takeover, Negros Power is committed to not only addressing the immediate issues but also laying the groundwork for a more resilient and reliable power system. This commitment is evident in the company’s proactive approach to vegetation management and its plans for infrastructure upgrades.
