Power Reliability Boost: Reclamation Substation Rehabilitation by Negros Power

As a resident of Bacolod City, I’ve noticed frequent power outages and aging infrastructure in our community. Recently, Negros Power announced critical rehabilitation work at the Reclamation Substation on March 29, 2025, which will cause a scheduled outage. While I understand the inconvenience, I want to grasp the bigger picture behind these efforts. Here’s what I’ve learned:

Why the Reclamation Substation Rehabilitation Matters

Aging Infrastructure, Urgent Fixes
Negros Power inherited substations like Reclamation from Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO), many of which are over 25 years old and operating beyond their safe limits. Seven out of twelve transformers in the franchise area are deteriorating, with signs like oil leakage posing risks of malfunction. The March 29 outage is part of urgent upgrades to address these issues, including replacing insulators, installing tree wires, and repairing aging equipment.

Preventing Wider Disruptions
While scheduled outages are frustrating, they aim to avoid longer, unplanned blackouts caused by equipment failures. For example, the August 2024 Alijis Substation incident highlighted the dangers of delaying repairs. Negros Power’s proactive approach ensures safer, more reliable power delivery in the long run.

The Bigger Picture: Negros Power’s 5-Year Development Plan

This rehabilitation is part of a PHP2.1–2.5 billion modernization program to overhaul Central Negros’ power grid. Key phases include:

1. Rehabilitation (Years 1–3):

   • Replacing aging poles, insulators, and transformers.

   • Clearing vegetation near power lines to reduce outages.

   • Upgrading substations like Reclamation and Asdez-Gonzaga.

2. Modernization (Years 4–5):

   • Expanding infrastructure and adopting advanced technologies.

Recent projects, such as replacing 18 poles and 235 insulators along the Bacolod-Silay line, show progress in strengthening resilience against typhoons and improving reliability.

What This Means for Consumers

Short-Term Inconvenience, Long-Term Gains
While outages disrupt daily routines, they’re necessary for a stable power network. For example, the February 2025 rehabilitation of the Burgos Feeder 3 and Bacolod-Silay line reduced risks from aging infrastructure, ensuring fewer outages during storms.

Community Impact
Negros Power’s efforts align with broader goals like reducing carbon footprints through sustainable practices and supporting economic growth by providing reliable electricity. As a consumer, I appreciate their transparency in sharing timelines and progress, even if it means temporary disruptions.

How to Prepare for Scheduled Outages

1. Charge devices and backup power sources ahead of time.

2. Plan activities that don’t rely on electricity during the outage window.

3. Stay informed via Negros Power’s updates or local news for real-time alerts.

A Call for Patience and Collaboration

While I wish for seamless electricity, I recognize that modernizing a decades-old grid takes time. Negros Power’s commitment—from replacing transformers to deploying tree wires—shows they’re working toward a future where outages are rare. As consumers, we cooperate during scheduled maintenance to ensure these upgrades succeed.

If you’re concerned about the March 29 outage or future projects, reach out to Negros Power for updates. Together, we can build a more resilient energy system for Central Negros.

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