BACOLOD CITY — Negros Power is fully prepared to ensure a reliable power supply throughout the upcoming National and Local Elections on May 12, 2025, with a comprehensive contingency plan dubbed “Oplan Halalan 2025.”
This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to supporting democratic processes by guaranteeing a stable power grid before, during and after election day.
Negros Power’s franchise covers a significant portion of Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Talisay City, Silay City, Bago City, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto. The company’s Oplan Halalan 2025 plan encompasses 159 participating schools, seven canvassing centers, and one Comelec tech hub, supported by a total substation capacity of 281 MVA, 11 substations, 13 power transformers, and 47 feeder lines.
Pre-election readiness
Negros Power has already completed key infrastructure improvements and preventive maintenance activities, including:
• Bacolod-Silay 69kV Line Rehabilitation: Ensuring the reliability of this critical transmission line.
• Alijis Transformer 2 Energization: An 18 MVA capacity was added to enhance power distribution in the area.
• Substation Readiness: Ensuring all substations are fully energized and operational.
• Hotspot Inspections and Transformer Maintenance: Identifying and addressing potential issues to prevent outages.
• Activation of Satellite Warehouses: Ensuring the immediate availability of materials and equipment for swift response to any incidents.
• Standby Generator Units: Three generator units are being prepared for backup power in case of outages.
Power loads for feeders and transformers are being monitored and maintained below 70 percent capacity to prevent overloading on election day.
During election operations
A dedicated Oplan Halalan 2025 Command Center has been activated to monitor the grid 24/7 and respond swiftly to incidents.
• Field Crews: 37 field crews are strategically deployed across the franchise area to address technical issues.
• Roving Teams: 20 roving teams will be on standby to provide support and address immediate concerns.
The Command Center will operate in full coordination with the Department of Energy and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to ensure seamless communication and rapid response.
Post-election commitment
Following the elections, Negros Power will conduct a comprehensive performance assessment to review the effectiveness of their response and identify areas for infrastructure enhancement.
• Standby Teams: Teams and resources will remain on standby for two additional days to support any election-related facilities that may require assistance.
• Clean-Up Drives: Teams will participate in clean-up drives to remove election paraphernalia posted on poles, trees and other common poster areas.
Engineer Bernard Bailey del Castillo, Chief Operations Officer of Negros Power, emphasized the company’s preparedness.
“Negros Power is fully prepared for the upcoming National and Local Elections with a robust contingency plan in place. Our command center is now operational and equipped to oversee all field operations. Preventive maintenance across all polling places and canvassing centers has been completed to ensure optimal functionality of all systems. Hotspot corrections within school internal systems have been addressed, and distribution transformers and service drop wires have been uprated to enhance reliability,” Del Castillo said.
“We will address any issues near the precincts. Technical and community relations teams will conduct roving around schools, marshalling and addressing any technical or community needs. Operations will run in two shifts, from 5:00 a.m. until ballot counting concludes,” he said.
“On May 10, a dry run will simulate procedures and communication protocols, utilizing a reporting app that utilizes field reports in real time on our command center dashboard, reporting and response processes, ensuring our systems are ready for a seamless election day.”
“This comprehensive preparedness plan underscores Negros Power’s commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process for all stakeholders,” Del Castillo said.