The Negros Electric Power Corporation (NEPC) has identified several aging power transformers in Bacolod City that are in urgent need of replacement, following a power outage that left 48,000 consumers without electricity.
According to NEPC Chief Operations Officer Engineer Bailey Del Castillo, at least 7 transformers have been operating beyond their lifespan due to years of overloading. This is more than 50% of the existing transformers in 11 substations that were previously operated by the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO).
Out of the 11 substations in Bacolod City, 7 are over 25 years old and are considered high risk of failure Del Castillo stressed. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez emphasized the urgency of upgrading these critical components to prevent potential power outages.
To mitigate the impact of potential outages, Del Castillo said that NEPC will maintain a readily available 10MVA mobile transformer that can be deployed immediately. Additionally, the corporation is committed to implementing a redundancy design that allows for the transfer of power to alternative grids in case of emergencies.
NEPC has reassured the public that there will be no power rate hikes in the next three years and is actively working to reduce rates in the long term. The corporation is committed to upgrading the system as soon as possible and developing contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted power supply.
As for the status of the Alijis substation, Del Castillo said they have already commissioned a 10MVA mobile substation, yesterday, August 26, effectively halting load shedding in the city. However, the long-term solution involves a comprehensive modernization program to replace the aging infrastructure.
The second phase of the immediate solution is the installation of an additional 18MVA transformer, which is expected to be commissioned by Sunday, he said. This will increase the total capacity to 28MVA. To further enhance system reliability, NEPC will replace also the 37.5MVA transformer.
The mayor has asked NEPC to present its detailed program at the council next week which includes plans to replace aging transformers and upgrade the wiring system. The corporation is considering an investment of up to P2.5 billion, with half a billion allocated for transformer replacement.
Del Castillo emphasized that NEPC is still in the transition stage but is working diligently to implement a comprehensive modernization program. The corporation is confident that within the next five years, significant improvements will be evident in the city’s power infrastructure.
