NEPC teams assist Ceneco in maintenance works

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY — Teams from the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NEPC) joined forces with the personnel of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) to conduct maintenance and repair works over the weekend.

Ceneco General Manager Arnel Lapore told Daily Guardian on Sunday that NEPC teams also responded to emergency calls such as busted transformers, burnt meters, and disconnected lines.

Lapore said Ceneco had earlier informed its consumers that maintenance activities would be conducted on June 22 and 23. “This is to ensure the stability of distribution lines to avoid further serious damages that will result in major interruptions,” he explained.

On Saturday, June 22, a power interruption was scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for the reconfiguration of a one-span primary line due to house construction obstruction and tree clearing activities. Areas affected included portions of Alijis Feeder 1 (AF1), Village 1, Manville Subdivision, and Brgy. Pahanocoy in Bacolod City.

On Sunday, June 23, another power interruption was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for preventive maintenance and integrity testing of the 30MVA Burgos Substation and related accessories. This also included the continuation of SCADA integration, CCTV installation, replacement of rotten primary poles, and tree clearing activities. Affected areas were served by the Reclamation Substation and feeders RF 1-5.

Lapore advised consumers to turn off electrical switches during power interruptions for safety. “When electricity supply resumes, please wait about 10-15 minutes before switching on all electrical appliances and facilities to avoid power surge,” he said.

He highlighted that the augmentation by NEPC is a significant achievement for Ceneco and its consumers, made possible through collaboration with Negros Power. “We have successfully rehabilitated the Reclamation and Burgos substations, ensuring enhanced electricity delivery to our consumers,” Lapore added.

Lapore emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to minimize future disruptions and expressed appreciation for the support and understanding of consumers during the maintenance period. He also thanked Negros Power for their assistance with manpower, equipment, and expertise.

NEPC President and CEO Roel Castro mentioned that the distribution utility is prepared to serve consumers in its franchise area, aiming to start operations by August 1, 2024. “If NEPC’s franchise bill is signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier than expected, we could start operations sooner,” he said, noting that their system is nearly fully in place with only a few installations pending completion by July 5.

The collaboration between Ceneco and NEPC workforce signifies a strong partnership aimed at improving service reliability and customer satisfaction.