New Negros Power Substations to Boost Grid Capacity in Franchise Area
The new Negros Power substations are expected to strengthen the power grid and support the continued economic growth of Bacolod City
The new Negros Power substations are expected to strengthen the power grid and support the continued economic growth of Bacolod City
Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) is moving forward with the construction of two additional substations as part of its long-term infrastructure upgrade. The new Negros Power substations are expected to strengthen the power grid and support the continued economic growth of Bacolod City and nearby local government units within the company’s franchise area. This new development is another phase of the 5-Year Development Plan that the company has committed to, and is part of the plan to rehabilitate the Central Negros power distribution system.
Two New Substations Planned in Bacolod
During a recent press briefing, Negros Power Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Engr. Joe-Mel Zaporteza announced that the two substations will be located in the Provincial Capitol area and the Megaworld district, both in Bacolod City.
Once completed, the new facilities will increase the total number of substations in the Negros Power franchise area to 13 by mid-2027.
The company expects construction of the two substations to take six to eight months.
Supporting Growing Power Demand
The new Negros Power substations are part of the distribution utility’s broader five-year rehabilitation and modernization program. The initiative aims to upgrade aging infrastructure and meet the rising electricity demand from homes, businesses, and industries across Central Negros.
By expanding the substation network, Negros Power hopes to improve the flow of electricity across the grid. Stronger infrastructure may help reduce outages and minimize voltage fluctuations experienced by consumers.
₱1.3 Billion Invested in System Upgrades
Since it began operating in 2024, Negros Power has already invested around ₱1.3 billion in system rehabilitation and facility upgrades during its first 19 months.
The two substations alone carry an estimated ₱250 million budget.
In addition, the company has allocated ₱130 million for the construction of new 69-kilovolt transmission lines, which will further strengthen the grid and improve power reliability across the franchise area.
Reliability Indicators Show Improvement
Negros Power also reported improvements in key performance indicators following network rehabilitation work in 2025.
The System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), which measures how often power interruptions occur, improved by 38 percent.
Meanwhile, the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), which measures the length of outages, improved by 67 percent. This means that while interruptions may still occur, the duration of outages experienced by consumers has significantly shortened.
Underground Cable Project Nearing Completion
Zaporteza also reported that the underground cable system along Lacson Street in Bacolod City is nearing completion.
The project experienced a two-month delay, mainly due to unfavorable weather conditions, including the effects of Typhoon Tino in November last year.
Despite the delay, the project is now expected to be finished within the next few months.
Nearly 40% of the Five-Year Plan Completed
According to Zaporteza, Negros Power has already completed about 39 percent of its five-year development program.
By the end of the plan, the company expects to deliver:
- enhanced system reliability
- upgraded electrical infrastructure
- improved safety standards
- stronger maintenance programs
- more efficient operations
- better-performing substations
With the addition of the new Negros Power substations, the distribution utility aims to continue strengthening the power network and provide a more dependable electricity supply for communities and businesses across its franchise area.
