Power Outages In Bacolod As Alijis Substation Transformer Fails

Bacolod City has recently been hit by a series of power outages that have left many residents and businesses in the dark. The cause? A 13-year-old, 30/37 MegaVolt Amperes (MVA) power transformer at the Alijis Substation has finally succumbed to the wear and tear of time, along with the strain of past overloading incidents. This breakdown has resulted in widespread power outages affecting over 42,000 consumers in several barangays.

The Incident: A Transformer Reaches Its Limit

The power transformer at the Alijis Substation had been in service for 13 years. Over time, it faced multiple incidents of overloading, which significantly weakened its structural integrity. The final blow came when the transformer experienced a severe oil leak, indicating internal damage that could not be easily repaired.

Negros Power was quick to respond. However, despite their best efforts, the damage was too extensive to fix. Engr. Bailey Del Castillo, Negros Power’s Chief Operations Officer, confirmed that the transformer could no longer be salvaged and that the only viable solution was to replace it entirely.

Temporary Measures: Keeping the Lights On

The immediate concern following the transformer’s failure was how to restore power to the affected areas. With over 42,000 consumers left without electricity, Negros Power needed to act swiftly. Engineers from the company devised an interim solution by rerouting feeder lines from the Alijis Substation to nearby substations. This maneuver allowed them to temporarily supply around 32 Megawatts of power to the affected areas, albeit not without challenges.

To manage the load and prevent further overloading, Negros Power is closely monitoring the connected feeders. They’ve also prepared to implement Manual Load Dropping if necessary. This measure, although not ideal, is designed to minimize the risk of unscheduled power interruptions, ensuring that the temporary power supply remains stable until a permanent solution is in place.

The Road Ahead: Replacement and Modernization

Replacing the damaged transformer is not a task that can be completed overnight. Negros Power estimates that it will take approximately two weeks to install a new transformer and fully integrate it into the system. During this time, affected consumers may continue to experience some level of disruption, though efforts are being made to keep these to a minimum.

Looking forward, Negros Power has ambitious plans for the Alijis Substation and other facilities inherited from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO). The company is gearing up for a comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization program, set to commence soon. This initiative is part of a broader five-year plan aimed at upgrading the entire power distribution network in Bacolod City and the surrounding areas.

A Call for Patience

Negros Power has appealed to the public for understanding and patience as they work through these challenges. The company is fully committed to restoring normal operations as quickly as possible and ensuring a consistent power supply for all consumers. However, the reality is that these improvements will take time, and some inconveniences may be unavoidable in the short term.

As Bacolod City navigates these power disruptions, the situation at the Alijis Substation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance and timely upgrades to critical infrastructure. With Negros Power’s planned investments, there is hope that the city’s power distribution network will become more resilient and reliable in the years to come.

In the meantime, residents are encouraged to stay informed, manage their power usage wisely, and cooperate with any load-shedding schedules that may be implemented. The road to a fully restored and modernized power supply may be a bit bumpy, but with careful planning and execution, Bacolod City can look forward to a brighter and more stable energy future.