To guarantee a steady and reliable power supply during the upcoming May 2025 national and local elections, Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) intensified its efforts over the weekend by carrying out extensive upgrades and maintenance across its distribution network and substations.
According to Negros Power, the major upgrade efforts began early on April 26, at the Murcia Substation, with teams working continuously from morning until nearly 6 p.m., as confirmed by Engineer Oscar Duca, assistant manager for the area office.
Duca stated, “This intensive maintenance work is crucial in preventing unexpected power interruptions, especially during significant events like the elections.”
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Repair and upkeep measures
Negros Power reported that crews installed over 800 fresh insulators and carried out essential repairs on deteriorating power lines to strengthen the grid and boost its reliability.
On Sunday, April 27, maintenance crews shifted operations to the Reclamation Substation, working from 4 a.m. to mid-afternoon. During the session, they installed an additional 400 insulators and swapped out several obsolete and faulty components to enhance the substation’s efficiency and reliability.
Duca emphasized Negros Power’s dedication to providing uninterrupted service, highlighting the company’s proactive efforts to strengthen the grid. “Our goal is to ensure that when voters head to the polls on May 12, they can do so with full confidence that power disruptions will not interfere with the election process,” he said.
(Also read: Power Shortages in Visayas Tied to Transmission Issues)
Ready for the elections
The maintenance work was carried out as part of Negros Power’s pledge under a memorandum signed with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on April 7.
Through the agreement, Negros Power committed to carrying out early system upgrades and maintenance to ensure a consistent and dependable electricity supply before, throughout, and directly following the election period.
The company’s Election Power Readiness Plan outlines key technical strategies and operational steps to maintain steady electricity service during the election period, including the assignment of support teams to assist COMELEC on election day.
Negros Power also declared that from April 28, two weeks ahead of the election, scheduled power interruptions will be suspended across its service areas to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted running of the electoral process.
Duca explained that this weekend’s maintenance efforts are part of Negros Power’s ambitious five-year modernization and rehabilitation plan, which focuses on improving infrastructure, introducing advanced grid technologies, and providing a more reliable, efficient, and future-proof electricity service throughout the region.
Negros Power provides electricity to residents in Bacolod, Bago, Talisay, and Silay, along with the municipalities of Murcia and Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248865
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/bacolod/negros-power-ensures-stable-power-supply-in-may-polls
https://digicastnegros.com/negros-power-ensures-stable-electricity-for-may-12-polls/