• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Negros Power reported that as of November 19, it has restored 96.30 percent of the power in its entire franchise area, including cities of Bacolod, Silay, Bago, Talisay, Murcia, and Don Salvador Benedicto in Negros Occidental.
Following 100 percent power restoration on its major system components, including sub-transmission lines, substations and feeders, Negros Power said it has already energized homes of its 157,646 customers, while 977 others still awaiting final restoration.
In the entire franchise area, the distribution utility said it has energized 96.30 percent of its 244,915 customers, while the remaining 3.70 percent, whose residences are located in most heavily affected and remote areas, are awaiting final restoration.
Negros Power attributed the slower restoration in heavily damaged areas to the manual hauling and installation of toppled poles, due to severely damaged “meters on poles and service wire connections, requiring of promissory note before connection in privately-owned poles and transformers, and unrepaired service entrances in typhoon-damaged houses.”
Admitting that these challenges demand intensive manpower and coordination, the distribution utility gave an assurance that its crews are being deployed 24/7 to complete the remaining work swiftly and safely.
Negros Power thanked government officials, barangay leaders, volunteers, and partner agencies whose collective efforts have helped them, in fasttracking restoration across Central Negros.*
