By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Negros Power will conduct proactive maintenance on the Bacolod-Silay 69-kilovolt sub-transmission line this Sunday, Jan. 12, from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to prevent power outages and ensure reliable electricity for its customers.
In a statement to the local media, Negros Power said the maintenance will focus on Segment P of the 30-kilometer line, covering approximately 4.9 kilometers.
This section, comprising 43 structures, will undergo the replacement of suspension insulators, with around 130 insulators scheduled for replacement.
To expedite the maintenance, Negros Power will deploy 15 teams to handle the repairs.
Maintenance activities will also be conducted at the Panaogao and Lopez substations.
The Bacolod-Silay sub-transmission line is vital for delivering electricity from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substation in Bacolod to Negros Power’s Panaogao, Talisay, and Lopez substations.
The line’s location, which traverses sugarcane plantations, makes it susceptible to damage, particularly during bad weather, and presents challenges for access during repair and maintenance work.
“This sub-transmission line facility is over 40 years old. Most of its accessories are severely deteriorated, no longer functioning properly, and unable to accommodate current power and voltage demands. This is a significant challenge, and we must act quickly to provide solutions,” said Negros Power Network Development and Operations Group Head Engineer Mervin Dalian.
Last December, Negros Power replaced hundreds of pin insulators on a six-kilometer segment of the line.
The ongoing maintenance is part of Negros Power’s initiative to repair and upgrade the 30-kilometer line, which is divided into seven segments, Dalian explained.
He added that similar maintenance will be conducted on the remaining sections in the coming weeks, with completion targeted by February 2025.
“We understand that power interruptions can be disruptive, and we apologize for any inconvenience this maintenance may cause. However, we must undertake this work to strengthen and ensure the reliability of our transmission lines,” Dalian added.
