By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – A year after three localities in northern Negros Occidental faced a power crisis, a similar situation occurred last Tuesday when a power transformer at the Victorias City substation malfunctioned.
The entire town of E.B. Magalona and parts of Manapla and Victorias City experienced a power outage that lasted over 24 hours, starting at 5:50 a.m. on October 15.
In a statement, Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco) said they immediately assessed the situation by conducting tests to verify the power transformer’s condition.
Noneco requested the Negros Occidental Central Electric Cooperative (Noceco) to provide a reserve 10 MVA power transformer while the original 15 MVA transformer at the Victorias substation undergoes repairs.
The power firm also sought assistance from Victorias Milling Company (VMC), a co-generating company linked to the 15 MVA Victorias substation, to supply 2.5 megawatts of electricity to some affected consumers.
Noneco further requested Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) to supply power to E.B. Magalona.
As of 1:10 p.m. yesterday, electric services were restored in parts of E.B. Magalona through NEPC’s coordination and approval to connect to the Silay distribution line.
By 3:22 p.m., the 10 MVA transformer from Noceco had been successfully installed to help bolster the power supply in Noneco service areas.
Engr. Wilbe Bilbao, Noneco general manager, stated that the transformer would undergo a series of tests, leak inspections, and degasification processes.
“Once these procedures are complete, the results will be submitted to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for approval,” he added.
Bilbao said they must wait for NGCP clearance before energizing the transformer and restoring full electric service.
However, despite ongoing efforts, isolated areas remain without power due to load limitations on the current transformers, according to Noneco.
The power firm noted that restoration efforts could take some time to fully resolve the issue. Partial load shifting to nearby substations was initiated.
Noneco assured member-consumers that they are doing everything possible to normalize the power supply in the three affected local government units (LGUs).
“We ask for your patience and understanding as our teams work tirelessly to restore power and ensure the safety of our facilities,” the power firm said.
Bilbao said they are actively planning further steps to restore electricity to more affected areas.
The team is working around the clock to ensure power is restored as quickly as possible, he added.
In August last year, a five-day blackout also impacted these three areas due to the tripping of a 15 MVA transformer at the Victorias City substation.
At that time, Noneco sought assistance from the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) to energize the 15 MVA transformer to help address the power crisis in the third district of the province.
