Bacolod City – Negros Power is eyeing the full restoration of electricity to all households in its area of coverage by early next week, with 65.7 percent of households across its service area already reconnected, following the energization of 47 feeders.
In a press briefing, Engr. Bailey del Castillo, Negros Power chief operating officer, disclosed that the company is conducting 24-hour restoration efforts to bring back electricity across its franchise, area following the devastation caused by Typhoon Tino.
“If feeders are not energized, transformers and secondary lines – including households – cannot be powered,” del Castillo said, as he explained that restoring power takes time because each feeder must be sectionalized to ensure safety.
“We cannot switch on the entire feeder at once. Many trees have fallen and wires have snapped. It’s unsafe and may cause fires. So, we clear, then switch on section by section until the whole feeder is energized,” Del Castillo said.
Some feeders are already fully energized at the backbone level, but lateral lines, especially in interior areas, remain a challenge due to fallen trees and poles. “That’s our main challenge now – vegetation,” he added.
Del Castillo said consumers have been demanding immediate restoration, but the challenge remains – the limited manpower, noting that they have only 107 workers, to cover areas of Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, Bago, as well as Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto.
“We cannot deploy everyone everywhere in one day, so we really have to prioritize,” he stressed.
Transmission lines are now 100 percent restored, and all the 11 substations are also fully operational.
Del Castillo appealed for help in clearing operations. “We’re not ashamed to ask for help anymore. We really need it. Many people are calling us because everyone wants to be prioritized,” he said, adding that barangay captains have committed to assist and that vegetation teams have been formed.
Aside from the help of More Power in Iloilo and Bohol Light, who are now augmenting Negros Power personnel, del Castillo also announced that the Cagayan Electric Power and Light Company (CEPALCO) from Cagayan de Oro has committed to send a team to assist NEPC.
At present, Negros Power linemen are working 12-hour shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., often extending up to 10 p.m.
“Our linemen are exhausted, but we remind them that this is our duty – to serve,” Del Castillo said.
Replacing toppled poles takes about five hours per pole. You have to dig, drill, and install wiring – two teams are needed for each pole. That’s why the process is not easy. We need more manpower to speed up the restoration, he explained.
Of the more than 100 poles that need replacement, 64 percent have already been completed.
Del Castillo thanked Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya for the support extended to NEPC’s restoration operations.
Negros Power also lauded the help of barangays for helping in clearing operations.
Talisay City Mayor Atty. Rowena Lopez Lizares also lauded the company’s transparency and persistence.
Our cooperation is showing results as power slowly returns in several areas of Talisay City, Lizares said
Across social media, residents have been expressing their support, understanding, and newfound respect for the hardworking Negros Power team.
Former Governor Rafael Lito Coscolluela shared a photo of linemen repairing lines in Sta. Clara 9 p.m., saying, “One job at a time, trying to meet everyone’s request for attention. Not easy. To those who still don’t have power, rest assured they’re on the job. Wish them good weather, warm meals, and safety 24/7.”
Negros Power remains in close coordination with local governments, barangay officials, and volunteers to speed up clearing operations and safely energize remaining areas. Despite the many challenges, the growing show of appreciation from consumers reflects a shared spirit of resilience and unity, it added. (Gilbert Bayoran via tvds photo by tvds)
