Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has lauded the rapid and coordinated efforts of Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) and the people of Central Negros in restoring electricity after the devastation of Typhoon “Tino,” calling their response a “remarkable example of resilience and unity.”
“We commend Negros Power and the resilient communities who have united to restore electricity with extraordinary speed and safety, even in the wake of such devastating storms,” Garin said in a statement released by the Department of Energy.
Three weeks after “Tino” struck on November 4, Negros Power has achieved major restoration milestones, bringing back power and a sense of normalcy to thousands of consumers across its franchise area.
Major system components — all five sub-transmission lines, all 11 substations and all 48 feeders — are now fully restored as of 11:00 a.m. yesterday.
While in Bacolod City, where Negros Power serves 157,646 customers:
* 100 percent of secondary lines are restored
* 99.48 percent of metering and service-drop connections are repaired
* Only 0.52 percent (812 customers) are still up for final restoration
In the entire franchise area, where a total of 244,915 affected customers:
* 96.50 percent re-energized
* 3.50 percent pending restoration — mostly in remote or heavily affected areas
Challenges in remaining areas
Restoration has been slower in certain sitios due to:
* Downed poles requiring manual hauling and installation
* Severely damaged meters and service wires
* Privately owned poles and transformers need promissory agreements before reconnection
* Unrepaired service entrances in typhoon-damaged houses
Despite these hurdles, Negros Power assured that its crews remain deployed round-the-clock to complete the remaining restorations safely.
Negros Power expressed deep gratitude to government officials, barangay leaders, volunteers and partner agencies who contributed personnel and assistance — speeding up recovery efforts across the region.
The swift restoration, officials noted, is a testament to the bayanihan spirit that continues to unite Negros communities in times of crisis./WDJ
Caption
Negros Electric and Power Corp. has achieved major restoration, bringing back power and a sense of normalcy to thousands of consumers across its franchise area after the devastation of Typhoon “Tino.”