• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
After 13 years of dedicated service and alleged past incidents of overloading, the 30/37 MegaVolt Amperes (MVA) power transformer at Alijis Substation suffered a critical blow at about 9 PM on Wednesday, leading to a widespread power outage across all seven feeders connected to it in Bacolod City.
The power outages affected more than 42,000 CENECO consumers, whose operations were recently been taken over by Negros Power.
Engr. Bailey del Castillo, Negros Power Chief Operations Officer, reported that the transformer experienced a significant oil leak, rendering it irreparable in its current state.
In response, they have opted to replace the damaged transformer with a new unit. However, it is estimated to take approximately two weeks before the new transformer can be fully integrated into the system, due to the installation process.
As an interim solution, Negros Power engineers have rerouted and connected the feeder lines from Alijis Substation to nearby substations and feeders, providing a temporary power supply of around 32 Megawatts to the affected areas.
To prevent overloading, Negros Power will closely monitor the said feeders, and may implement manual load dropping as a precautionary measure to abort possible unscheduled power interruptions.
In a statement, Negros Power appealed for understanding from all affected consumers during this period of reconfigurations, assuring them of ongoing efforts to restore normal operations and ensure a consistent power supply, while addressing the challenges at the Alijis Substation.
While a transformer usually has a life span of 25 years, its utilization was always on a critical level, Negros Power alleged.
Prior to the incident, Jonathan Cabrera of Negros Power, disclosed that the Alijis substation, transformers were described as “ticking bombs” and had been scheduled for rehabilitation next month.
Looking ahead, Engr. Del Castillo outlined plans for the comprehensive rehabilitation and modernization of Alijis Substation and other inherited facilities from CENECO as part of a 5-year program set to commence next month.
This initiative will be initiated following the granting of the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Energy Regulatory Commission, marking a significant step in Negros Power’s evolution as the new Distribution Utility in Central Negros, a statement from Negros Power said.*
