Bacolod’s Power Struggle: A Ticking Time Bomb And The Promise Of Change
In 2023, Bacolod faced a looming power crisis. The city’s electrical infrastructure, managed by CENECO, was in dire straits. Substations, the vital hubs for electricity distribution, were described as “ticking time bombs,” underscoring the urgent need for change.
Status of CENECO’s substations while the Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) in 2023 was still under discussion:
Years of underinvestment left CENECO struggling with aging equipment. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) repeatedly rejected loan applications for new infrastructure, forcing CENECO to rely on temporary fixes. The 13-year-old Alijis substation transformer became a symbol of this crisis, with a catastrophic failure seeming inevitable.
The 30/37 MegaVolt Amperes (MVA) power transformer at the Alijis Substation, after 13 years of service, experienced a significant oil leak, resulting in irreparable damage.
Before any major changes could be implemented, Bacolod received a harsh reminder of this fragility. On a Wednesday night, the Alijis Substation’s transformer exploded, plunging the city into darkness. The explosion caused massive brownouts, affecting over 42,000 consumers and disrupting lives and businesses. The transformer was deemed irreparable, highlighting the vulnerability of CENECO’s aging facilities.
This incident spurred renewed urgency to address Bacolod’s power woes. While the full transition to Negros Power is pending ERC’s approval of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), immediate actions were taken. Negros Power connected Alijis Feeder 3 to Murcia Feeder 1 via a new high-voltage cable and borrowed a 10 MVA mobile substation from MORE Power in Iloilo. The damaged transformer was swiftly replaced with a new 18.5 MVA unit.
10MVA mobile substation from Iloilo’s MORE Power
The Alijis explosion underscored the challenges ahead but also reinforced the need for a comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization plan. This plan aims to upgrade CENECO’s outdated facilities, ensuring similar crises are avoided in the future.
Though temporary disruptions may occur as rehabilitation continues, the promise of a more reliable and efficient power supply offers hope for Bacolod and Central Negros. The city’s future is bright, powered by the promise of change and a commitment to a sustainable power system.
