Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) recently launched a proactive maintenance initiative on a critical section of its Bacolod-Silay 69kV sub-transmission line. This effort aims to reduce power outages caused by aging infrastructure, which has been a persistent issue for consumers in Central Negros.
The maintenance work focused on a 3-kilometer stretch of the 30-kilometer line, replacing 132 sets of suspension insulators on 48 structures. The goal was to strengthen the power system’s resilience, especially against extreme weather conditions.
Upgrading to Durable Polymer Insulators
One of the key upgrades in this maintenance effort was the replacement of corroded and aging porcelain insulators with modern, high-strength polymer insulators. These polymer insulators are more resistant to moisture, pollution, and extreme weather, reducing the likelihood of faults and power interruptions.
The process of replacing insulators wasn’t easy. The sub-transmission line cuts through sugarcane plantations in the haciendas of Talisay and Silay, making access and operations more challenging for line crews. Despite these hurdles, the maintenance was successfully completed, signaling a step forward in Negros Power’s goal of system reliability.
Addressing Frequent Line Faults
The Bacolod-Silay sub-transmission line is essential for the operation of the Lopez, Panaogao, and Silay substations. However, with the line dating back to 1979, wear and tear on its components have become evident.
According to Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro, the company has recorded nearly ten incidents of line faults and wire downs involving this high-voltage line in just four months of operations. Most of these issues were linked to deteriorated insulators. By addressing these problem areas, Negros Power aims to significantly reduce outages and improve power supply reliability.
“While this preventive maintenance is a necessary immediate solution, our long-term plan is to upgrade all the insulators of the 30-kilometer sub-transmission line and to relocate these lines along main roads, making maintenance and repairs more accessible and efficient in case of future outages,” said Castro.
A Long-Term Plan for Stability
This recent maintenance initiative is just one part of Negros Power’s broader strategy to enhance power infrastructure in Bacolod City and Central Negros. The company’s 5-year rehabilitation and modernization plan includes relocating sub-transmission lines from remote sugarcane fields to main roads.
This relocation will allow faster access for maintenance crews, reducing repair times during emergencies and ensuring quicker restoration of power. It also forms part of Negros Power’s commitment to improving operational efficiency and providing more stable electricity to its consumers.
Consumer Benefits of Proactive Maintenance
Consumers often bear the brunt of power interruptions, especially during unplanned outages. Proactive maintenance aims to shift from reactive repairs to preventive actions, offering several benefits, including:
- Reduced Outages: Upgrading to polymer insulators means fewer incidents of faults, line drops, and emergency shutdowns.
- Faster Repairs: Relocating sub-transmission lines to accessible areas ensures faster response times during emergencies.
- Reliable Power Supply: Preventive measures like these reduce the risk of widespread outages, giving consumers a more stable power supply.
Negros Power’s proactive maintenance of the Bacolod-Silay sub-transmission line is a vital step in improving the reliability of power distribution in Central Negros. By replacing old insulators with modern polymer units and planning for the future relocation of transmission lines, the company is laying the groundwork for a more resilient power grid.
This initiative reflects Negros Power’s commitment to ensuring a stable, efficient, and consumer-centric approach to power distribution in the region.
Negros Power recently conducted proactive maintenance on a critical section of its Bacolod-Silay 69kV sub-transmission line. The initiative focused on replacing old porcelain insulators with modern polymer insulators to reduce outages caused by line faults. The sub-transmission line, which has been operational since 1979, has experienced multiple incidents in the past four months. To address this, Negros Power also plans to relocate sub-transmission lines to more accessible main roads, ensuring quicker repairs and fewer service interruptions.
