• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
The Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) vowed to fix all electric posts that were brought down by typhoon Tino on Tuesday and fully energize its entire franchise area by the weekend.
NEPC Chief Operations Officer Engr. Bailey del Castillo said that more than 100 electric poles in the entire franchise area were toppled by strong winds, which caused a widespread blackout for several days.
“We are still assessing the full extent of the damage inflicted by Typhoon Tino,” Del Castillo said, adding that a total blackout occurred at the height of the storm after the power supply from the grid was cut off.
Based on the latest report, out of 250,000 consumers, electricity has been restored for 44.5 percent as of 5:00 p.m. yesterday, November 6. The linemen on the ground were working 24/7 to fully energize the area.
Seventy teams, or about 350 personnel, are being utilized by NEPC in the restoration efforts, Del Castillo said.
Del Castillo also stressed that due to the circumstances, there will be no disconnection and payment of bills at the main office for the meantime, but consumers can pay through third-party collection firms.
ILOILO, BOHOL CREWS
In a strong show of solidarity and cooperation, MORE Power of Iloilo City and Bohol Light have dispatched augmentation teams to assist Negros Power in restoring electricity to communities heavily affected by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Tino in Central Negros.
Negros Power Chief Operating Officer Engr. Bernard Bailey del Castillo confirmed that five line construction teams from MORE Power and 2 teams from Bohol Light are set to arrive in Negros today to bolster local restoration crews working round the clock to rebuild damaged power lines and replace toppled poles.
“This is a true spirit of brotherhood among Primelectric’s distribution utilities,” Del Castillo said.
“When one community is hit hard, others step up to help. That’s how we ensure a faster recovery for everyone.”
The assistance from Iloilo and Bohol comes as part of a coordinated effort under Primelectric Holdings, which manages the said private electric distribution utilities in the Visayas.
According to Del Castillo, Iloilo City’s restoration activities are now under control, while Tagbilaran City has been fully energized, allowing both utilities to share their manpower and equipment with Negros Power.
The collaboration underscores the strength of inter-utility cooperation in responding to large-scale disasters, where shared resources and expertise can significantly shorten recovery times, Negros Power said in a statement.
Typhoon Tino left widespread damage across Negros Power’s franchise areas, toppling hundreds of electric poles, damaging key distribution lines, and disrupting power to more than 250,000 customers.
Del Castillo estimated that all feeders will be restored this weekend and the laterals may take at least a week, depending on weather conditions and accessibility in hard-hit zones.
Primelectric President and CEO Roel Castro said they are also in touch with other distribution utilities in unaffected areas to coordinate additional support if necessary.
“These partnerships go beyond business. They represent our shared commitment to serve the public, especially in times of crisis,” Castro said.
While they operate in different provinces and cities, Castro said they are one family, when it comes to helping communities recover.
Negros Power expressed gratitude for the reinforcement, emphasizing that the collaboration allows for faster clearing operations and re-energization of critical areas such as hospitals, water facilities, and public safety centers.
As restoration efforts continue, the Negros Power appealed for public understanding and patience, as it assured residents that every available team, vehicle, and piece of equipment is now being mobilized to bring light back to Central Negros.
“This united response shows the best of what we can do when we work together. In times of darkness, cooperation keeps the lights of hope alive,” Castro said.*
