Recently, Negros Power scheduled an outage affecting several Burgos Feeders after detecting a hotspot in the system. This led to frustration and complaints from consumers wondering why the power had to go out and why it was scheduled from 2 AM to 5 AM. To provide a clearer picture, here’s what’s happening and why these interruptions are necessary.
Advisory for the Scheduled Power Interruption and Fixing Hotspots
Using thermal scanners, Negros Power detected hotspots in the 69KV transmission line connecting the NGCP substation in Brgy. Mansilingan to Brgy. Bata in Bacolod City supplies power to the Burgos Substation. These hotspots, because of their very high temperatures, pose a serious risk of connection failure, potentially leading to unexpected, widespread, and prolonged power outages.
To prevent this, Negros Power scheduled preventive maintenance last Saturday from 2 AM to 5 AM. During this time, consumers served by the Burgos Substation experienced a temporary power outage. This was to ensure the safety of linemen working on the repairs and the residents living near these power lines and poles. Consumers must take note that due to unexpected situations, Negros Power may sometimes finish early, but may also need to extend the scheduled work duration.
After this maintenance, Negros Power can be more confident that unscheduled power interruptions in these critical lines will be avoided. The company advised all affected consumers to prepare in advance to minimize inconvenience. Preparing includes, all gadgets or devices that need charging should be fully charged before the scheduled power interruptions.
What Is a Hotspot?
A hotspot occurs when part of an electrical connection gets too hot. This happens when connections become loose, worn out, or damaged over time. These faulty connections increase resistance, causing heat to build up. If not caught early, hotspots can lead to equipment failures or unexpected power outages.
How Are Hotspots Detected?
To catch these problems before they escalate, Negros Power uses thermal scanners to monitor its electrical systems regularly. This allows the company to spot unusual heat buildup, signaling a potential hotspot that needs immediate attention.
Why Must Hotspots Be Fixed Quickly?
Hotspots can create serious risks if not addressed quickly. Over time, the heat could cause connections to break, leading to prolonged outages or costly repairs. Fixing them early helps keep the system running smoothly and prevents larger issues down the line.
Why Repairs Are Scheduled During Early Morning Hours
When a hotspot is detected, repairs are scheduled as soon as possible. In this case, Negros Power chose the 2 AM to 5 AM window because power demand is at its lowest during these hours, meaning fewer people are affected by the outage. Planning repairs at this time also allows linemen to work faster and more safely.
Part of Negros Power’s 5-Year Plan
Fixing hotspots is part of Negros Power’s 5-year rehabilitation and development plan. The company is being proactive in upgrading its facilities to provide a more reliable power supply. They are also scanning joints where hotspots may occur.
There will be more scheduled outages as the system goes offline for necessary maintenance and upgrades. While these interruptions might be inconvenient, they are crucial for building a stronger power network.
Negros Power appeals to consumers for patience during this period. Though the situation may feel frustrating, these efforts aim to prevent bigger issues in the future. By announcing the interruptions in advance, consumers have time to prepare for outages.
A Request for Patience
Power outages, while disruptive, are sometimes necessary to maintain and improve the electrical system. Negros Power is committed to minimizing interruptions and completing upgrades as quickly as possible. In the end, these efforts will result in a more reliable power supply for everyone. Consumers don’t want long or frequent power outages so they must bear with the shorter and scheduled ones.
Negros Power thanks its consumers for their understanding and cooperation as they work toward providing better, more dependable service.
