Negros Power’s 5-Year Development Plan: A Comprehensive Strategy To Strengthen The Region’s Power Supply

The persistent power outages in Negros Occidental have disrupted businesses and homes, creating an urgent need for sustainable solutions. In response, Negros Electric Power Corporation (NEPC), also known as Negros Power, has unveiled a detailed 5-Year Development Plan aimed at addressing these power issues, modernizing the grid, and improving reliability across key cities and municipalities in the region.

During a presentation at the Seda Hotel in Bacolod City, Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro highlighted the primary goals of the plan, which is backed by a Php 2.5 billion investment. The initiative encompasses a variety of infrastructure upgrades and strategic improvements that will not only reduce outages but also enhance service for consumers across Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, Bago, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto.

Key Focus Areas of the 5-Year Development Plan

1. Rehabilitation of Aging Infrastructure (First Three Years)

The first stage of the plan involves the rehabilitation of old and deteriorated substations, transformers, and power lines. Many substations, such as those in Mountain View, Reclamation, and Sum-ag, are over 25 years old and operating beyond their safety limits. Negros Power intends to:

• Replace aged equipment and upgrade feeders.
• Repair or replace rusted lattice structures to prevent further corrosion.
• Clear vegetation around power lines and substations to reduce outages caused by external interference.

2. Upgrading Primary and Secondary Lines

Over the next five years, the company will focus on upgrading the primary and secondary distribution lines. This is crucial to:

• Minimize faults and improve system reliability.
• Reduce system losses by 70%, particularly by addressing inaccuracies in metering.

3. Underground Cabling Initiative

One of the most significant projects in the development plan is the underground distribution system. Starting in November 2024, the project will focus on a 1-kilometer stretch along Lacson Street, with completion targeted by May 2025. This initiative aims to:

• Minimize power outages caused by vegetation, animal interference, and severe weather.
• Improve the overall resilience of the power grid.

4. Quick Response Teams (QRT)

To improve response time during emergencies and outages, Negros Power will establish Quick Response Teams. These specialized teams will ensure that:

• Power restoration efforts are swift and effective.
• Consumers experience fewer prolonged outages.

5. Sitio Electrification Program

As part of its commitment to improving energy access, Negros Power is allocating Php 250 million to extend electricity to remote and underserved areas. This Sitio Electrification Program will:

• Provide reliable power to rural communities.
• Boost economic development in these areas through improved energy access.

6. Digitalization and Modernization

Negros Power aims to modernize its distribution network by incorporating digital solutions. This will include:

• Installing elevated metering systems to reduce tampering and improve accuracy.
• Implementing digital technologies to streamline system monitoring and management.

7. Safety and Resilience Upgrades

In line with their goal of making the power grid more reliable, Negros Power will implement various safety measures at substations and along power lines. These include:

• Installing concrete perimeter fences and metal sedusion fencing with proper grounding for substation equipment.
• Adding oil containment basins around power transformers to prevent environmental damage from potential oil leaks.
• Using wedge-type conductor connectors, installing surge arresters, and encasing control wires to prevent electrical faults.
• Constructing battery rooms with adequate ventilation to improve the longevity of backup systems.

8. Redundancy Design

Another important feature of the plan is the introduction of a redundancy design for power distribution. This will:

• Create backup pathways for power supply, ensuring that if one part of the system fails, alternative routes can keep electricity flowing.
• Significantly reduce the risk of widespread outages.

Timeline and Financial Commitment

Negros Power’s rehabilitation and modernization efforts will be spread over the five-year period, with the bulk of the rehabilitation phase scheduled for the first three years. Modernization and further expansion will take place in the last two years. The company is infusing Php 2.5 billion to bring this plan to fruition, and additional investments may be made as necessary.

Assurance of No Immediate Rate Increases

While consumers have expressed concerns about the potential financial impact of these improvements, Negros Power has reassured the public that there will be no increases in distribution charges for the next two years. However, NEPC emphasized that generation rates, which are set by power suppliers, are outside its control. Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez expressed strong support for the plan, emphasizing that he will monitor the progress to ensure its success.

Conclusion

Negros Power’s 5-Year Development Plan is a bold and necessary step to address the power issues affecting Negros Occidental. By rehabilitating aging infrastructure, modernizing the grid, and enhancing system reliability through new technologies and safety measures, Negros Power aims to create a more resilient and dependable energy network for the region. As the plan unfolds, the residents of Negros can expect fewer outages, improved service, and a power grid better equipped to meet the growing demands of the province.

With a clear vision for the future, the 5-Year Development Plan promises to bring stability and growth to Negros Occidental, ensuring that the region’s power supply can keep pace with its economic and social needs.