Negros Power restores 82% of service after Typhoon Tino

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Negros Power Corporation (NEPC) continued to accelerate power restoration in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental after Typhoon Tino, reporting that as of Nov. 11, 2025, at 12:00 noon, 82.07 percent of its customers had already been reenergized.

According to NEPC Chief Operations Officer Engr. Bailey del Castillo, all five sub-transmission lines, 11 substations, and 48 feeders had been fully restored.

Of the company’s 244,915 customers, 43,925—equivalent to 17.93 percent—remained without electricity.

Del Castillo said sunny weather and normal wind conditions allowed ongoing restoration and clearing operations to proceed more quickly.

To strengthen its manpower, NEPC deployed 140 teams composed of personnel and partner utilities across affected areas.

These include 22 line teams, 36 response teams, 9 quick response teams, 14 vegetation teams, 15 metering teams, 15 metering inspectors, 12 MRB inspectors, 10 barangay vegetation teams, 3 More Power line teams, 2 Bohol Light response teams, and 2 CEPALCO line teams.

Bohol Light also dispatched two metering teams to support NEPC in speeding up the restoration process.

In a joint statement, subdivision owners, hotel operators, and restaurant owners expressed gratitude to NEPC for 24-hour restoration operations that began on Nov. 2.

“We convey our gratitude to Negros Power Corporation (NEPC) for the efforts of their crews working 24 hours a day since November 2 to restore power to our homes and establishments,” the statement read.

“We understand the difficulties of your men working amid fallen trees, debris, and downed lines.”

“We know some areas remain without power, but with favorable weather and everyone’s cooperation, these areas will soon be energized as well.”

The group also commended NEPC for reenergizing more than 80 percent of its customers and for coordinating with volunteers from Amity and the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

They urged barangay officials and residents to help NEPC clear debris and obstructions to fast-track the remaining restoration work.

“We hope that after this trial, more effective protocols and clear responsibilities will be put in place,” they added.

The group expressed relief that Super Typhoon Uwan spared Negros from additional outages and offered prayers for the safety of NEPC’s field teams.

“Good luck to all of us, and we pray for the safety of NEPC’s hardworking crews,” the statement concluded.

Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) President Wennie Sancho urged all stakeholders in the power industry, especially consumers, to “stop the blame game and work together” in addressing the widespread power outages caused by Typhoon Tino.

Sancho said ACCESS strongly recommends holding an “Emergency Power Restoration Summit” to be organized by the Liga ng mga Barangay, emphasizing that cooperation among all sectors is critical at this time.

He also appealed to politicians not to “ride on” the issue but to extend their support to areas still without electricity.

Sancho called on the Bacolod City Government, Negros Power, and consumers to immediately take the lead in coordinating restoration efforts.

Citing Republic Act 11361, or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, Sancho reminded local government units of their duty to ensure trees and vegetation near power lines are trimmed or removed to avoid electrical obstructions and hazards.

The law authorizes distribution utilities to conduct necessary clearing operations in coordination with LGUs.

“It is unfortunate that many barangay councils have not fully implemented the provisions of RA 11361,” Sancho said, echoing the view of former Governor Rafael Coscolluela that the lack of enforcement at the barangay level is a major issue.

Sancho stressed that distribution utilities and LGUs must establish effective protocols and clear responsibilities to prevent future outages caused by fallen trees and broken branches.

“It’s time to put aside the blame and come together,” he said.

“The devastation is already done, and pointing fingers won’t bring back the power.”

“Let’s focus on rebuilding, supporting one another, and restoring what’s been lost—we’re all in this together.”

ACCESS reaffirmed its commitment to work with the government, Negros Power, and consumers to ensure a safer and more reliable power supply for the community.