Negros Power’s Major Upgrade of Bacolod-Silay 69kV Line

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Negros Power’s Major Upgrade of Bacolod-Silay 69kV Line Boosts Energy Stability in Central Negros

Strengthening the Backbone of Central Negros’ Power Grid

Negros Power has completed a comprehensive upgrade of the Bacolod-Silay 69kV sub-transmission line, a critical infrastructure that powers thousands of homes and businesses throughout Central Negros. Spanning nearly 30 kilometers, this high-voltage line connects the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) with Negros Power substations, ensuring a more reliable and efficient electricity supply for the region.

This upgrade represents a significant milestone in Negros Power’s ongoing commitment to improving the quality and stability of power delivery, which is essential for both residential consumers and the growing business community in Bacolod City and neighboring areas.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation and Modernization

The project involved a detailed inspection and replacement of 266 transmission structures across seven key segments, covering 29.87 circuit kilometers. One of the most significant improvements was the replacement of outdated porcelain insulators, which had frequently caused power interruptions, with modern polymer insulators renowned for their durability and resilience.

Porcelain insulators, once a standard, had become prone to cracking and failure due to weather conditions and aging, resulting in frequent outages. The switch to polymer insulators has effectively eliminated this problem, drastically reducing the risk of unscheduled power interruptions.

“Before this rehabilitation, broken insulators caused two to three unscheduled outages weekly,” Roel Z. Castro

Dramatic Improvements in Power Reliability

“Before this rehabilitation, broken insulators caused two to three unscheduled outages weekly,” said Roel Z. Castro, President and CEO of Negros Power, during a recent report to consumer stakeholders. Since December 2024, we have recorded zero insulator failures. This achievement highlights our dedication to ensuring a stable power supply and reflects our investment in the future of Negros.”

Such a dramatic improvement in reliability means that residents and businesses can now enjoy uninterrupted power, which is vital for daily life, commercial activities, and the region’s overall economic growth.

Overcoming Logistical and Terrain Challenges

The upgrade was not without its difficulties. Approximately 37% of the 277 poles are located in remote, off-road areas, requiring line workers and engineers to traverse challenging terrain, such as sugarcane fields and muddy paths. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed on schedule, thanks to the perseverance and expertise of Negros Power’s dedicated teams.

This hands-on approach demonstrates the company’s commitment to overcoming any challenge to deliver the best possible service to its customers.

A Clear Message of Commitment and Progress

“This is more than just an infrastructure upgrade,” Castro emphasized.

“It’s a clear message to every consumer that Negros Power is serious about system reliability, safety, and long-term progress.” – Roel Z. Castro

By investing in modern equipment and infrastructure, Negros Power is setting a strong foundation for future growth and development in Central Negros, ensuring that the power grid can meet increasing demand and support new industries.

Industry Leaders Applaud the Initiative

Frank Carbon, Co-Chair of the Energy and Power Committee of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Visayas and former Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, praised the upgrade:

“Stable and modern power infrastructure is essential for economic growth. The direction Negros Power is taking is exactly what Bacolod and Central Negros need.” – F. Carbon

A reliable electricity supply is a key factor in attracting investments, encouraging entrepreneurship, and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Powering a Brighter Future for Central Negros

With the successful completion of the Bacolod-Silay 69kV line upgrade, Negros Power continues to lead the way in enhancing the region’s power infrastructure. This project not only improves current service reliability but also positions Central Negros for sustainable growth and development.

Residents and businesses can now look forward to a future powered by consistent, high-quality electricity, fueling progress, innovation, and prosperity throughout the region.