When Negros Power took over the franchise area, the grid was already under heavy strain. Substations were overloaded, running far beyond safe capacity, and consumers often dealt with brownouts, unstable voltage, and sudden breakdowns. To fix these problems, Negros Power substation upgrades became an urgent priority.
NEPC’s 5-Year Development Plan for Negros Occidental
In its first year, the company focused on expanding capacity and modernizing facilities that had long been neglected. These efforts, highlighted during Negros Power’s recent press briefing, are now paving the way for more stable electricity in Bacolod and neighboring towns.
Why Substation Upgrades Matter
Think of substations as doors. They are the entry points that allow electricity from the National Grid to enter Negros before it’s distributed to homes, schools, and businesses.
But for years, those doors were too small for the growing demand. Too much electricity tried to squeeze through at once, leading to congestion, breakdowns, and outages.
The solution? Negros Power substation upgrades that widened those doors and built new ones, giving the grid room to breathe.
The Alijis Explosion: A Wake-Up Call
The most dramatic reminder of Negros’ fragile grid came when the Alijis Substation exploded in September 2024. The incident left thousands without power and proved how urgent the upgrades had become.
Negros Power deployed a mobile substation as a temporary fix, but the long-term plan focused on rebuilding and expanding capacity.
Key Negros Power Substation Upgrades in Year One
In just one year, Negros Power prioritized projects that expanded capacity and improved safety:
- Mountain View Substation: upgrading from 12.5 MVA to 37.5 MVA (completion September 2025).
- New Murcia Substation: under construction to meet rising demand.
- Mobile Substation (2026): a modern facility that allows overhauls without long outages.
- Rehabilitation of Sum-ag, Hilangban, Lopes, Reclamation, Panawgao, Burgos, and Talisay substations.
These substation upgrades make it easier for electricity to flow steadily across Bacolod and nearby municipalities.
More Than Just Repairs
Negros Power also improved safety and reliability by:
- Replacing outdated switchgears and relays.
- Removing unsafe sheds under high-voltage gantries.
- Introducing gravel bases to eliminate fire hazards from vegetation.
Together, these efforts show that Negros Power substation upgrades are not only about capacity but also about safety and long-term resilience.
Other Grid Upgrades Beyond Substations
While substations were the most urgent concern, Negros Power also began upgrading other parts of the distribution system to strengthen the entire grid.
- Looped feeders (or redundant power lines) were introduced, so electricity can flow in alternative paths during interruptions.
- Old wooden poles and insulators were replaced to reduce leaks and prevent outages.
- Smart technology like SCADA systems and GPS mapping made it easier to monitor and troubleshoot issues in real time.
- Thermal scanning drones were deployed to detect hotspots in hard-to-reach areas, making inspections faster, safer, and more accurate.
These improvements, together with the substation upgrades, form part of Negros Power’s broader five-year modernization plan, which is already about 30% complete.
What Substation Upgrades Mean for Consumers
Consumers may not see substations up close, but the benefits reach every household:
- Fewer brownouts, since the grid no longer runs on overload.
- More stable voltage, protecting appliances from damage.
- Room for growth, ensuring new businesses and communities can connect without straining the system.
Building for the Future
Negros Power shared in its press briefing that its five-year modernization plan is already 30% complete in Year One. The backbone of this effort remains the substation upgrades that strengthen the grid for today and prepare for tomorrow.
By widening the “doors” for electricity, Negros Power is ensuring a brighter and more reliable future for every consumer in Negros.
