Bacolod's Early Morning Brownouts: Why Fixing Hotspots Matters

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Understanding Bacolod’s Early Morning Brownouts: Why Fixing Hotspots Matters

Recently, many Bacolod residents expressed frustration over early morning brownouts, which have disrupted their routines. These interruptions, primarily occurring around 2 AM, have sparked much discussion online. However, these brownouts are part of a critical effort by Negros Power to prevent more significant power issues in the future. By addressing “hotspots” in the power lines, the company is taking proactive measures to ensure a more reliable electricity supply for Bacolod City.

Why Are These Brownouts Necessary?

Hotspots are problematic areas in electrical lines where heat builds up due to worn, loose, or damaged connections. Over time, these faults increase resistance, causing the wires to overheat and potentially fail. Left untreated, hotspots can lead to widespread and unexpected power outages, causing more inconvenience than scheduled maintenance.

To detect these hotspots, Negros Power uses thermal scanners, which can identify areas of abnormal heat build-up long before they become critical. The company recently found several hotspots in the 69KV transmission line connecting the NGCP substation in Brgy. Mansilingan to Brgy. Bata supplies power to the Burgos Substation.

The Importance of Preventive Maintenance

Once these hotspots are detected, the next step is fixing them through preventive maintenance. Negros Power schedules repairs during the early morning hours, from 2 AM to 5 AM, when demand is at its lowest. This ensures minimal disruption to daily life, allowing their linemen to work efficiently and safely. During these brownouts, the affected areas are temporarily without power to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of both the linemen and the surrounding communities.

Though the timing of these power interruptions might be inconvenient for some, it is crucial for maintaining a stable power grid. Addressing the hotspots before they cause significant damage prevents unplanned outages, which could last much longer and affect more residents.

What Is a Hotspot?

A hotspot is any part of the electrical system that overheats due to damaged or worn-out connections. As electricity flows through the grid, faulty parts increase resistance, generating heat. If this heat continues unchecked, it can cause electrical components to fail or, in severe cases, lead to fires or other hazards.

How Negros Power Detects Hotspots

Negros Power’s engineers regularly scan the power lines using thermal imaging technology to spot these problems before they escalate. Thermal scanners can detect slight temperature variations that indicate potential faults in the system. Once a hotspot is identified, repairs are scheduled immediately to prevent further complications.

Why Early Morning Repairs Are Ideal

Negros Power schedules brownouts from 2 AM to 5 AM for several vital reasons. First, this is when power consumption is at its lowest, meaning fewer people are affected. Second, it allows the linemen to work in more excellent, safer conditions as they repair the lines and resolve the issues without the added risk of peak-hour demand. While early morning brownouts are a temporary inconvenience, they are part of a more significant effort to prevent unexpected and extended outages in the future.

Part of a Long-Term Solution

The hotspot repairs are just one aspect of Negros Power’s 5-year rehabilitation and development plan. The company is committed to improving Bacolod’s electrical infrastructure to provide a more reliable and stable power supply. This strategy includes ongoing preventive maintenance and upgrades, which may involve more scheduled brownouts in the coming months. The goal is to ensure the city’s power grid becomes more resilient, reducing the likelihood of unexpected blackouts.

Preparing for Scheduled Brownouts

To minimize disruption, Negros Power advises consumers to take steps before a scheduled brownout, such as:

Charging phones, laptops, and other essential devices.
Ensuring refrigerators and freezers are closed tightly to preserve food.
Having alternative lighting like flashlights or candles on hand.
Checking for updates from Negros Power in case the outage is extended beyond the planned time.

A Call for Understanding and Patience

Negros Power recognizes that no one enjoys power outages, especially during the early hours of the morning. However, these temporary disruptions are essential for the long-term stability of Bacolod’s power grid. The company asks for patience and cooperation from residents as they continue their efforts to improve the city’s electrical infrastructure.

Ultimately, today’s preventive maintenance work will lead to fewer disruptions, increased power reliability, and a brighter, more secure future for Bacolod’s energy supply.

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Bacolod’s Early Morning Brownouts: Why Fixing Hotspots Matters