• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Power has been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and reliability of its power distribution network following the eruption of Mount Kanlaon on December 9.
The eruption, which sent ashfall across portions of Bago City and Murcia within Negros Power’s franchise area, posed a significant threat to the company’s infrastructure, a statement from Negros Power said.
“We are committed to providing reliable power to our customers, even in the face of natural disasters,” said Engr. Mervin Dalian, Head of Network Development and Operations group of Negros Power.
Dalian disclosed that the ashfall can cause insulators to fail, overload lines, weaken poles, and ash laden trees can fall onto power lines, causing widespread outages.
To mitigate these risks, Negros Power has been conducting a series of water-flushing operations to clean its facilities.
As of December 22, the company reported that it has washed and cleaned almost 450 primary or feeder line pin insulators and replaced 130 pin insulators affected by the ashfall. This represents a 77 percent accomplishment rate, and flushing activities continue until all affected facilities are cleaned, Dalian said.
Negros Power has also taken steps to protect its equipment from ash ingress, ensuring the continued operation of its substations and other critical infrastructure.
“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our employees and the reliability of our power supply. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and take all necessary steps to protect our facilities and customers, Dalian further said.*
