The Management of Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO) yesterday informed its consumers of reasons for the widespread brownouts experienced since the night of November 4, 2009 which was caused by the entry to the Burgos Substation of a still unidentified person, reported to have mental lapses/problems, who was electrocuted but survived when he climbed the substation transformers and caused damage due to flashover of the primary bushings which resulted to the power shut-off in the whole CENECO area, causing inconveniences to thousands of consumers.

The said incident also caused an automatic power shut-off by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) which also affected other franchise areas.

Replacement of the primary bushings of the damaged substation transformers, as well as the primary circuit breaker of Burgos Substation, was undertaken by CENECO technical men and is expected to be finished before 5 pm today, depending on the weather situation which is beyond control. Considering the power needs of consumers and scope of work to be done so as to restore power to the affected areas, particularly on areas supplied by the Burgos Substation, CENECO embarked on load shifting of areas within Bacolod City which may last for 1 to 2 hours. CENECO President Edward Gasambelo, who happens to be a Professional Electrical Engineer by profession, is personally monitoring the development of the power restoration at Burgos Substation. Gasambelo also seeks the understanding of the member-consumers that CENECO cannot compromise the lives of its personnel and has to consider all the safety measures while the restoration of power is being undertaken.

He appeals to the member-consumers to lessen their load consumption throughout the duration of the said power shifting for safety reasons, and to give allowance of about 10-15 minutes before switching-on all electrical appliances and facilities to avoid power surge. He considers the next 48 hours to be very critical and needs the understanding of the public.

For inquiries, please call up CENECO Call Center at Telephone numbers 1621, 709-1256, 709-1257 and 435-3640 to 55 local 259.*