By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY – Two consumer groups in central Negros Occidental commended Negros Energy and Power Corporation (NEPC or Negros Power) for its quick response in restoring electricity to areas affected by the breakdown of the power transformer at the Alijis substation.
Power Watch Negros (PWN) Secretary-General Wennie Sancho and Utilities Consumers Advocate for Reforms (UCARE) Convenor Roy Cordova, in separate statements to the media on Wednesday, expressed their gratitude for the concern Negros Power showed to the more than 40,000 affected households.
“The inconvenience caused by the recent power interruptions in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City, and other affected areas was disruptive,” Sancho said.
He added, “However, the cause of the blackout—a faulty transformer—must be investigated to prevent future occurrences.”
Sancho emphasized the need for Negros Power to assess the aging equipment of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) in terms of its utility value to mitigate the risk of future power outages.
“It is hard to accept that CENECO’s energy infrastructure is vulnerable, under-maintained, and more likely to experience system-wide failures,” he said.
Sancho pointed out that this situation poses a significant challenge to the rehabilitation program of Negros Power.
“Restoring power after a sudden blackout is a complex process,” he said.
Sancho noted that helping restore power in Negros Power’s franchise area after a brownout is not just a technical fix—it saves lives, keeps businesses running, and prevents major economic losses.
He further highlighted that the ability to quickly restore power after a blackout is crucial for maintaining a resilient power system.
“Power system restoration is a highly intricate process, involving multiple steps, numerous operational decisions, and complex technical constraints, making it a challenging task,” Sancho explained.
“We must recognize the remarkable efforts of Negros Power’s technical workforce, under the direct supervision of President and CEO Roel Castro, who ensures that the lights stay on,” he added.
Sancho stressed that the top priority of their operations is the safe and efficient reestablishment of electricity services to minimize the negative impact of power outages on consumers.
Negros Power, with the cooperation of consumers, aims to make significant strides in ensuring a reliable power supply through its 5-year Development Plan, Sancho said.
“Regarding the power outages in Barangay Alijis, Negros Power has clearly explained the issue to the public for better understanding,” he said.
Sancho also expressed confidence that the rehabilitation and modernization program for CENECO will gain social acceptance, helping to build the power infrastructure needed to meet growing demand.
“Stability in power supply, coupled with competitive electricity rates, attracts industrial and commercial investments that generate jobs and increase workers’ purchasing power, fueling consumer spending,” he added.
“This will stimulate the economy of the Negros Island Region (NIR),” Sancho concluded.
UCARE’s Response
Meanwhile, UCARE expressed gratitude to Negros Power for its efforts in the early restoration and re-energization of electric power for consumers served by the Alijis substation feeders.
Cordova noted that the immediate arrival of the 10MVA mobile substation from MORE Power Iloilo, and its swift installation and connection to the Alijis substation, enabled NEPC to urgently address the power issues caused by the breakdown of CENECO’s aging transformer.
“The precision with which Negros Power restored electricity proves that NEPC is a distribution utility that consumers can trust for reliable power supply,” he said.
“Congratulations to the men and women of NEPC for a job well done,” he added.
“We look forward to your continued commitment to ‘Service Beyond Power’ for the satisfaction of consumers,” UCARE said in a statement signed by Cordova, its convenor.
