Negros Power Disaster Recovery : Turning Point for Central Negros

Table of Contents

A Turning Point for Central Negros: How Modern Power Service Transformed Our Disaster Recovery

When Typhoon Tino barreled across Negros with brutal gusts reaching 220 kph under Signal No. 4, it wasn’t just another storm—it was a reminder of our island’s fragility. Trees that had survived decades of weathering, even the wrath of Typhoon Odette in 2021, finally snapped. Power lines collapsed, substations failed, and communities were plunged once again into the darkness we know too well.

But amid the familiar destruction, something unexpected happened—
the recovery this time was different.

As the lights slowly flicked back on in homes and streets across Central Negros, as small businesses reopened and families sighed in relief, a question echoed in my mind:

What if CENECO were still our power provider today?

Looking Back: The Painful Memory of Odette’s Aftermath

A review of CENECO’s own public records tells the story. After Typhoon Odette:

It took more than a month to fully restore power.
Despite help from other electric cooperatives and Task Force Kapatid, recovery dragged on.
Thousands of households endured long, sweltering nights without electricity.
Businesses suffered deep financial blows, some never fully recovering.

The situation felt hopeless, and the resentment toward the old system grew.

A Different Experience Under Negros Power

This time, the difference was striking—and deeply felt:

95% of consumers re-energized in just two weeks
Thousands of households restored within the first seven days
Full restoration projected in days, not months
Swift clearing, fast repairs, and highly coordinated operations

It was something the community had rarely experienced—recovery that matched the urgency of people’s lives.

Why Power Came Back Faster: Understanding the Shift

Negros Power’s performance was not a coincidence. It was the result of intentional systems, investments, and preparedness.

1. A Proactive Restoration Plan Activated Early

Before the storm hit, teams were positioned, materials stocked, and a detailed response map already in place.

2. Reinforcements Arrived Immediately

Augmentation teams from:

Iloilo
Bohol
A private utility in Cagayan

arrived swiftly, equipped and already briefed on roles and zones.

3. Pre-Positioned Materials and Equipment

For the first time in years, communities witnessed:

New poles
Transformers
Cables
Tools

all staged before the storm—a critical factor in accelerating recovery.

4. Strong Coordination With LGUs and Volunteers

Local government units, barangay responders, and partner utilities worked in sync with the company, clearing debris and opening access roads almost seamlessly.

Privatization Once Divided Opinions—Now It’s Delivering Results

For years, the idea of privatizing Central Negros’ distribution utility stirred controversy. Many feared higher rates, job losses, or uncertainty.

But the storm revealed what really matters:

competence, reliability, readiness, and professional service.

Negros Power didn’t just restore electricity—they restored trust.
People are seeing the difference not in promises, but in results.

If This Is Year One, Imagine Year Five

This is only the beginning of Negros Power’s five-year rehabilitation plan. In the coming years, Central Negros can expect:

Storm-resilient infrastructure – Stronger poles, improved substations, and weather-ready distribution lines.
Modernized systems and digital upgrades – Smart grids, automated switching, load monitoring, and real-time fault detection.
Faster restoration during future disasters –Targets moving from weeks to days, or even hours, depending on the damage.
A power system ready for future growth – Supporting tech industries, growing businesses, and modern communities.