Energizing Democracy 

Energizing Democracy: Negros Power’s Major Maintenance Ahead of May Polls

As a resident of Bacolod City, I’ve seen firsthand how power interruptions can disrupt daily life, especially during critical events. This year, Negros Power’s commitment to network reliability ahead of the May 12 national and local elections is not just a technical upgrade; it’s a promise to every voter that their voice will be heard without interruption.

Major Maintenance Drive: What Happened Over the Weekend

Negros Power launched an intensive maintenance campaign on April 26–27, targeting two of its most critical substations. On Saturday, crews worked from sunrise to dusk at the Murcia Substation, installing over 800 new insulators and repairing aging lines. The following day, the Reclamation Substation saw another 400 insulators mounted and outdated equipment replaced, all aimed at fortifying the grid’s resilience and minimizing the risk of outages during the high-stakes election period.

Why This Matters: Power and Democracy

Power reliability isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about upholding the integrity of our democratic process. Engr. Oscar Duca, Negros Power’s Area Office Assistant Manager, emphasized the importance of these upgrades: preventing unexpected interruptions is crucial for a seamless election experience. As a voter, knowing that the company is taking proactive steps gives me, and many others, peace of mind.

Commitment to the Community: Beyond Election Day

Memorandum of Agreement with COMELEC

Negros Power’s maintenance blitz is part of a formal agreement with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), signed earlier this April. Under this MOA, the company pledged to complete preventive maintenance and rehabilitation works before, during, and after the elections, guaranteeing a reliable power supply when it matters most.

No Scheduled Power Interruptions

To further support a smooth electoral process, Negros Power announced that starting April 28, there will be no scheduled power interruptions across its service areas. This decision ensures that residents and polling stations can focus on the elections without fear of brownouts disrupting proceedings.

Modernization for the Long Haul: A Five-Year Vision

Negros Power’s recent efforts are just one part of a broader five-year modernization and rehabilitation program. This ambitious plan includes:

• Upgrading aging substations and power lines

• Integrating advanced grid technologies for better monitoring and response

• Introducing redundant designs to provide backup power routes

• Expanding electrification to rural and remote communities

• Rapid-response teams for emergency outages.

These investments aim to deliver a more stable, efficient, and future-ready electricity service for all of Central Negros.

Community Response: Residents Take Notice

People in Bacolod and neighboring areas have noticed the difference. John Rey Canillada from Barangay 35 expressed relief, stating that it’s reassuring to see Negros Power following through on its promises. For many, these upgrades mean fewer worries about brownouts and increased confidence in the reliability of essential services during important events, such as elections.

Conclusion: Powering Progress, Protecting Democracy

Negros Power’s commitment to network reliability goes beyond technical maintenance-it’s about supporting the democratic process and building trust within the community. As a resident, I’m encouraged by these proactive measures and hopeful that this marks the beginning of a more resilient and modern power infrastructure for Negros Occidental.

With these initiatives, Negros Power isn’t just delivering electricity; it’s empowering the people of Negros to participate fully in shaping our future-one uninterrupted vote at a time.