Negros Power boosts Bacolod sub-transmission capacity to 220 MW

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Electric and Power Corp. (Negros Power) is rolling out key upgrades this year to keep up with growing electricity demand, raising the total sub-transmission capacity of the Reclamation and Bata 69kV lines here from 126 MW to 220 MW.

In a statement, the distribution utility said the upgrades are designed to deliver stronger, more stable, and more reliable power across its franchise area in central Negros Occidental.

The capacity increase will accommodate added load from the upgraded Mt. View TR2, which will rise from 10 MVA to 37.5 MVA, and from two new substations at Capitol and Megaworld, each rated at 37.5 MVA, Negros Power said.

The utility said the expansion of its sub-transmission “power highways” will carry more electricity where it is needed most, through the 6.5-kilometer upgrading of the Bata Line, the new 1.6-kilometer Megaworld Line, the 2.4-kilometer Capitol Line, and the new 0.7-kilometer Megaworld–Gonzaga line loop.

Negros Power also reported the utilization of a state-of-the-art mobile substation to immediately boost capacity in the area.

“These improvements will allow Negros Power to serve more homes, support new businesses, and prepare for future growth across our franchise area, ensuring a more reliable and robust power supply for everyone,” the company said.

The Bacolod City upgrades form part of a PHP 1.3 billion modernization push by the Enrique Razon Jr.-led distributor, covering improvements to its power system, substations, power lines, transformers, and poles.

Negros Power said the upgrades have already improved service, cutting the average number of power interruptions to 1.41 per month in 2025, a 59 percent drop from the previous year.

“Power outages are also much shorter, down to a monthly average of 129 minutes in 2025 from an average of 993 minutes per month in 2024,” it added.

Alongside grid upgrades, Negros Power said it is expanding electricity access to rural communities through its Sitio Electrification Program (SEP).

By the end of 2025, the company had energized 41 sitios, bringing electricity to 2,061 households.

It is aiming to reach 10,241 households across 318 more sitios over the next few years.

To make the process easier for residents in far-flung areas, the Razon-led distributor said it introduced on-site applications and on-site payments.

“Beyond electrification, Negros Power is ramping up major infrastructure improvements in urban areas, including the rollout of underground distribution systems (UDS) or shifting from overhead lines to underground cables,” it said.

“Energization of key streets in Iloilo City and other key cities already began in January 2026 and is expected to improve grid resilience and enhance the aesthetic appearance of urban centers,” it added.

To support growing electricity demand, Negros Power said it is also deploying a 37.5-megavolt-ampere (MVA) mobile substation scheduled for installation within the year.

The PHP 192 million facility will help ensure continuous electricity supply while permanent substations undergo upgrades, and will provide additional capacity as power demand increases.

“With increased capacity and the construction of these new substations, we are not just improving power reliability, we are opening doors for more investments in Negros Occidental,” the distribution utility said.

“More investors mean more jobs, also mean a stronger economy and a more progressive community,” Negros Power added.

To safely carry out the major upgrades, the company said temporary and scheduled power interruptions may be necessary to ensure the safety of its crews and the communities it serves while critical works are being completed.