Negros Power Steps In To Aid NONECO Amidst Blackout In Northern Negros

In a commendable display of cooperation and responsibility, Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) has come to the aid of the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO), following a massive blackout in Northern Negros. The blackout, which started on October 15, 2024, affected more than 30,000 consumers in the towns of EB Magalona, Manapla, and Victorias City after the failure of a 12.5 MegaVolt Amperes (MVA) power transformer at NONECO’s Victorias Substation.

NONECO’s Call for Assistance

In response to this critical situation, NONECO turned to Negros Power for assistance, requesting a temporary supply of 2 megawatts (MW) to alleviate the blackout. Understanding the urgency of the situation, Negros Power swiftly responded, providing the much-needed electricity to affected areas. The connection was established by linking Feeder 3 of Negros Power’s Lopez substation to NONECO’s feeders in Barangay San Jose, EB Magalona.

Negros Power’s Commitment to Support

Roel Castro, President and CEO of Negros Power, emphasized the importance of helping NONECO during this difficult time. He stated, “We understand the difficulties faced by our fellow industry player and neighbor, NONECO, and their consumers during this challenging time. We didn’t hesitate to extend our support by providing them with 2 megawatts of temporary supply from our Lopez and Panaogao substations. We hope this will alleviate the inconvenience they are experiencing.”

Assurance to Negros Power Consumers

This collaboration underscores Negros Power’s commitment to ensuring a reliable power supply not only within its own franchise area but also extending support to neighboring electric cooperatives when needed. Castro assured that Negros Power consumers would not be affected by this temporary arrangement, as the company has sufficient load capacity to meet the demand within its franchise area. “We have sufficient load to meet the demand within our franchise area. However, we will closely monitor our substations to ensure a continuous and reliable power supply,” Castro explained.

Ongoing Support Until Full Restoration

The assistance provided by Negros Power is expected to help stabilize the situation while NONECO works to restore its Victorias Substation. Castro reiterated Negros Power’s willingness to continue supplying the temporary power until NONECO fully restores its operations. This proactive approach highlights the company’s dedication to ensuring that the power needs of the communities in Northern Negros are met during this challenging period.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the quick action taken by Negros Power has been instrumental in easing the blackout’s impact on the affected areas. Their timely intervention has provided a sense of relief to the 30,000 affected consumers, showcasing the importance of cooperation between power providers in times of crisis. As NONECO continues its efforts to repair its Victorias Substation, Negros Power’s support remains a critical element in restoring normalcy to the communities affected by this unfortunate power outage.