Negros Power restores 98.8% service after typhoon blackout

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) has restored 98.8% of power across its franchise area following the massive blackout triggered by Typhoon Tino on Nov. 4.

NEPC Chief Operating Officer Engr. Bailey del Castillo reported Monday that four major cities are now fully energized: Bacolod City, Silay City, Talisay City, and Don Salvador Benedicto, each at 100%.

Power restoration is also nearing completion in the remaining two localities: Bago City is 87% energized, with lingering outages in upland areas, while Murcia is at 96%, with only isolated sitios yet to be restored.

“Overall, we are now at 98.8% restoration,” del Castillo said, adding that teams continue to work in hard-to-reach upland communities affected by toppled poles, fallen trees, and blocked access roads.

The total blackout occurred when all transmission lines feeding NEPC’s franchise area simultaneously tripped at the height of Signal No. 4 Typhoon Tino.

The storm brought destructive winds that damaged transmission and distribution infrastructure across the province, cutting off power to over 250,000 consumers in Bacolod, Silay, Talisay, Murcia, Bago, and Don Salvador Benedicto.

NEPC immediately mobilized rapid response teams, linemen reinforcements, and clearing crews to accelerate the restoration process.

Del Castillo said the remaining areas will be fully energized “as soon as terrain conditions allow,” and assured customers that NEPC remains committed to completing restoration safely and efficiently.