BACOLOD City — After more than two weeks of power outages brought about by the onslaught of Signal No. 4 Typhoon “Tino” on November 4, the Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) reported that nearly all consumers in its franchise area have been re-energized.
When the typhoon battered the city, hundreds of trees were uprooted and several electric poles were toppled, heavily damaging the distribution utility’s facilities. These extensive damages caused delays in restoration efforts as crews first had to repair critical infrastructure before power lines could safely be reconnected.
As of 6 p.m. on November 20, Negros Power reported that 96.30 percent of its entire franchise area had been energized, with Bacolod City achieving 99.39 percent restoration.
“Ang nabilin na lang ang mga malayo nga lugar nga budlay ang access, mga area nga kinahanglan gid ang total rehabilitation sang ila Meters On Pole, mga balay nga totally damaged, kag owners of private poles and transformers nga dapat mag-promise to pay sa materials nga kami ang matakod,” Negros Power said in a statement.
Mayor Greg Gasataya earlier shared that among his birthday wishes on November 19 was the full restoration of electricity in the city, along with 24/7 water service and stable internet connectivity.
For his part, Wennie Sancho, president of the Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS), commended Negros Power for its swift and holistic response in the aftermath of the typhoon.
“As Typhoon “Tino” ravaged the region, Negros Power sprang into action. While the immediate focus was restoring electricity, they recognized the broader needs of the community. Their approach was holistic—power is not just about electricity, but about restoring lives and livelihoods,” Sancho said.
He lauded the company’s flexible payment terms for households consuming 100 kWh or less, which include extended deadlines without penalties. “This gesture has been a lifeline for many consumers still recovering from the storm’s impact,” he added.
Sancho also highlighted Negros Power’s commitment not to disconnect services or impose surcharges on unpaid accounts from November 4 to December 31, 2025—providing significant relief to households facing financial strain. “It’s a testament to Negros Power’s understanding and empathy towards the community’s plight,” he said.
Beyond financial support, Negros Power has also extended assistance to the broader community by donating 100 sacks of rice to the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental—an effort Sancho described as a sincere and concrete contribution to ongoing recovery efforts./PN
