Mobile Substation From MORE Power Arrives In Bacolod City

In a swift response to the recent power crisis in Bacolod City, MORE Power, the sister company of Negros Power, has sent a 10 MegaVolt Amperes (MVA) mobile substation from Iloilo City to reinforce the Alijis substation’s power capacity. As of the present moment, the mobile substation has arrived in Bacolod and is being promptly assembled at the Alijis Substation to restore power to the affected Alijis feeders.

A Rapid Response to a Critical Situation

The recent explosion of a 37 MVA power transformer at the Alijis Substation left approximately 42,000 consumers in Bacolod without electricity. This unforeseen event highlighted the vulnerability of the existing infrastructure, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention. In response, MORE Power promptly dispatched the mobile substation to Bacolod.

Upon arrival, the mobile substation was immediately transported to the Alijis Substation, where it is currently being assembled. The goal is to have it operational and supplying power to the Alijis feeders as soon as possible. This quick action is expected to alleviate the power shortages in the area, providing a temporary solution while a more permanent fix is underway.

The Bigger Picture: Long-Term Solutions in the Works

While the mobile substation offers an immediate respite, Negros Power is simultaneously working on a more permanent solution. An 18 MVA power transformer is being assembled to replace the damaged one at the Alijis Substation. However, this process is not quick; it is anticipated to take one to two weeks to complete.

In addition to this, Negros Power has implemented several measures to stabilize the power situation. They have rerouted and connected feeder lines from the Alijis Substation to nearby substations, providing temporary power to the affected areas. To prevent further overloading and potential power interruptions, manual load dropping is being employed as a precautionary measure.

Negros Power has also laid out a six-kilometer-long, larger capacity cable to connect the Murcia Feeder 1 and Alijis Feeder 3, both of which have high power demands. This new cable is expected to enhance the capacity and reliability of the power supply to these areas.

Navigating Through a Crisis

This power crisis has come at a challenging time for Negros Power. The company was preparing to take full control of the electric distribution utility, with plans to launch a comprehensive 2 billion pesos rehabilitation and modernization initiative. This plan, aimed at upgrading the facilities and preventing future crises, was scheduled to begin next month. However, the unexpected failure of the Alijis power transformer forced the company to expedite their efforts.

Despite the setback, Negros Power remains committed to their long-term plan. Jonathan Cabrera, spokesperson for the company, expressed disappointment over the timing of the incident but reaffirmed their dedication to improving the infrastructure. He emphasized that the permanent solution lies in the implementation of their 5-year rehabilitation and modernization plan, which is designed to prevent similar crises in the future.

Looking Forward: What Bacolod Can Expect

In the immediate term, Bacolod residents can expect the mobile substation to restore power to the Alijis feeders soon. While this is a temporary measure, it provides much-needed relief as Negros Power works on installing the new 18 MVA transformer.

Looking ahead, Negros Power’s 5-year plan promises significant upgrades to the city’s electrical infrastructure. These improvements are expected to make the system more robust and better equipped to handle increasing power demands, thereby ensuring a more reliable supply in the future.

Conclusion

The recent power outage in Bacolod City has been a stark reminder of the importance of reliable infrastructure. However, the rapid response by MORE Power and the long-term strategy of Negros Power offer hope for a more stable and dependable power supply. As the city navigates through this crisis, the ongoing efforts to modernize and rehabilitate the electrical facilities promise a brighter and more secure future for Bacolod.