Negros Power continues to ensure reliable electricity service through proactive maintenance of the Bacolod-Silay 69kV sub-transmission line. This upgrade is crucial to preventing unscheduled power outages and improving power distribution stability in Bacolod City, Silay City, and surrounding areas in Central Negros.
Why the Bacolod-Silay Sub-Transmission Line is Critical
The Bacolod-Silay 69kV sub-transmission line is a vital component of the power distribution network in Negros Occidental. It carries electricity from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substation in Bacolod to Negros Power’s Panaogao, Talisay, and Lopez substations. This line plays a crucial role in ensuring households and businesses have continuous power supply.
Related: Negros Power Boosts Reliability with Proactive Maintenance on Bacolod-Silay Sub-Transmission Line
However, the line’s location poses challenges. Spanning 30 kilometers and passing through sugarcane plantations, it is particularly vulnerable to damage from inclement weather. Accessing the line for repairs can also be difficult, making regular maintenance essential.
Proactive Maintenance to Prevent Outages
On Sunday, January 12, Negros Power carried out maintenance on Segment P of the Bacolod-Silay sub-transmission line. This segment covers approximately 4.9 kilometers and includes 43 structures. As part of the maintenance, the company replaced an estimated 130 suspension insulators to ensure the line’s reliability.
To complete the maintenance efficiently, Negros Power deployed at least 15 teams. Maintenance work was also conducted at the Panaogao and Lopez substations to enhance overall network stability.
Read: NEPC’s 5-Year Development Plan for Negros Occidental
Addressing Aging Infrastructure
Negros Power’s proactive maintenance is part of a broader initiative to upgrade aging infrastructure. The Bacolod-Silay sub-transmission line, which is over 40 years old, is showing signs of wear and tear. According to Engr. Mervin Dalian, Head of the Network Development and Operations Group, many of the line’s accessories are outdated and substandard.
“This sub-transmission line facility is 40 years old. The accessories are almost worn out and substandard, and they currently cannot accommodate the electricity and voltage requirements. It’s very challenging, and we need to make solutions as soon as possible,” explained Engr. Dalian.
Progress and Future Plans
Negros Power’s maintenance efforts began in December with repairs on the first segment of the line, covering a 6-kilometer span. The current focus on Segment P is part of a larger plan to repair and upgrade all seven segments of the 30-kilometer line. Maintenance work on the remaining segments will continue over the next few weekends, with full completion expected by February 2025.
Commitment to Consumer Convenience
Negros Power understands that maintenance work can cause temporary inconvenience due to power outages. However, these efforts are necessary to prevent more significant disruptions in the future.
“We understand that power outages can be disruptive, and we apologize for any inconvenience this maintenance may cause, but we need to do this to make our lines robust and reliable,” Engr. Dalian emphasized.
The company remains committed to improving its infrastructure to provide consumers with stable and reliable electricity. Proactive maintenance is a key part of Negros Power’s strategy to ensure uninterrupted service in the long term.
Key Takeaways for Consumers
- Regular Maintenance: Negros Power conducts regular maintenance to prevent outages and improve power reliability.
- Aging Infrastructure: The Bacolod-Silay sub-transmission line is over 40 years old and requires upgrades to meet modern electricity demands.
- Ongoing Efforts: Maintenance will continue in stages, with completion expected by February 2025.
- Consumer Impact: Temporary outages may occur during maintenance, but the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconvenience.
Negros Power’s proactive approach to maintaining its sub-transmission lines ensures that consumers can rely on a more stable and efficient power supply. By addressing aging infrastructure and upgrading key components, the company is working to minimize unscheduled outages and improve the overall reliability of its service.
