Negros Power nears full energization in Bacolod

By Dolly Yasa

Negros Power has reported substantial progress in its post-Typhoon Tino restoration efforts, with overall energization in Bacolod City reaching 90.94% as of Sunday morning.

Chief Operations Officer Engr. Bailey del Castillo said the utility is targeting 100% secondary-level energization within the day, marking a major milestone in the city’s recovery from the massive blackout caused by the Nov. 4 typhoon.

Del Castillo added that after secondary-level energization is completed, restoration efforts will shift to the metering level, continuing through the week as part of ongoing sweeping and last-mile operations.

Full restoration for all consumers is targeted by Nov. 20.

Earlier, the Bacolod City government ramped up joint clearing operations with Negros Power and major telecommunications providers to accelerate the restoration of electricity and internet connectivity.

Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez said teams have been working around the clock to remove fallen trees, vegetation, and debris that had delayed restoration in many affected areas.

“Our joint clearing operations with Negros Power and different telco providers are ongoing to make the restoration of power and internet connectivity in our city much faster,” Benitez said.

The city deployed additional manpower and heavy equipment to support Negros Power’s repair teams in clearing access roads and enabling faster access to damaged lines and poles.

Representatives from Smart Communications, Globe Telecom, and PLDT were also on the ground, coordinating efforts to restore power and telecommunications services. The collaboration was formalized during a meeting led by Negros Power President and CEO Roel Castro.

“We will continue to provide full support to our partners to ensure a coordinated and efficient restoration process,” Benitez added.

Typhoon Tino battered Negros Occidental on Nov. 4, bringing torrential rains, flooding, and strong winds that caused widespread infrastructure damage across the province.

The storm toppled electric poles, uprooted trees, and destroyed transmission lines and power facilities, plunging large parts of Bacolod and surrounding areas into darkness.

Negros Power earlier reported significant damage to:

• Sub-transmission lines
• Distribution feeders
• Primary and secondary power lines
• Poles and transformers

The extent of the destruction required several days of clearing operations before restoration teams could access the hardest-hit sites.

Telecommunications infrastructure also suffered major impacts, with fiber lines and cell towers damaged, further complicating recovery efforts.

As operations intensify, both Bacolod City and Negros Power reaffirmed their commitment to fully restore electricity and internet services, aiming to return to normal operations by Nov. 20.