Negros Power Swift Response to Typhoon Crising Damages

Heavy rains and strong winds often pose challenges to a distribution utility without an underground cabling system. And the devastation this week brought by Typhoon Crising was no exception. Nevertheless, Negros Power demonstrated prompt action and strategic coordination in response to Typhoon Crising, which brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of Negros Occidental. The power utility worked around the clock to restore electricity and ensure public safety, especially in the hardest-hit areas.

Typhoon Crising Affected Areas and Impact

The southern part of Negros bore the brunt of the storm. Within Negros Power’s coverage area:

• Bago City experienced widespread outages.
• In Bacolod City, a primary wire fell across the NOCCPO compound in Barangay Estefania.
• Murcia, particularly Alegria, saw service interruptions.
• Restoration work continued in Don Salvador Benedicto as access and weather permitted.

Much of the damage was due to fallen trees and branches that brought down power lines, making clearing operations a top priority before repairs could begin.

Scaled-Up Emergency Response

Negros Power immediately activated emergency protocols and significantly expanded its field operations. From the usual 16 response teams, the company increased manpower in phases:

• July 18: 24 response teams were deployed, with 4 light trucks added to navigate difficult terrain.
• July 19, 1:29 PM: Total manpower reached 38 teams, distributed as follows:
  • 17 Response Teams
  • 5 Quick Response Teams (QRTs)
  • 7 Lines Teams
  • 6 Metering Teams
  • 3 Street Light and Retrofitting (SLR) Teams

This expansion enabled faster response times, especially in remote or heavily impacted areas.

Substation and Transformer Status

Despite the storm’s intensity, no substation or transformer failures were reported. This speaks to the resilience and integrity of Negros Power’s core infrastructure, which helped speed up recovery efforts.

Safety as a Top Priority

The company placed a strong emphasis on crew safety throughout its operations. All field personnel were equipped with full PPE and instructed to follow strict safety protocols. These measures were reinforced through briefings and clear accountability systems.

Coordination with LGUs and DRRMOs

Negros Power worked closely with local government units (LGUs) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to improve response times and minimize risks.

For instance, during flooding in the areas of Brgy. Banago, Mandalagan, and Bata in Bacolod City, electrical isolation was carried out, based on DRRMO advisories to prevent hazards in waterlogged areas.

Major Challenges

Clearing roads and power line routes proved to be one of the biggest hurdles. Uprooted trees and heavy vegetation blocked access in several sites. Nevertheless, the crews pressed on, ensuring work was done safely without compromising restoration efforts.

A Message from Negros Power

ENGR. Leomel H. Tambanillo, Assistant Vice President for Planning, Business Operations, and SEP, thanked the public for their patience:

“If floodwaters begin to rise near your outlets, please switch off your main power or circuit breaker to prevent electrical hazards. Follow the Negros Power official Facebook page for real-time updates and advisories. Safety first—always.”