The Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) has announced a scheduled power service interruption affecting portions of Valencia, Negros Oriental, on March 26, 2026. The interruption is scheduled to last from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. and is necessary for maintenance work, including pole replacement and vegetation management. Affected residents and businesses are advised to take necessary precautions.
Valencia Residents to Experience Power Outage for Maintenance Work
According to an advisory released on March 19, 2026, by NORECO II, the power interruption is essential for replacing a dilapidated wooden pole, rerouting a three-phase line, and clearing vegetation along the power lines. These activities aim to improve the reliability and safety of the electricity supply in the affected areas. The maintenance work is concentrated on a specific section of Valencia, aiming to minimize the overall impact on the community.
Affected Areas Include South Poblacion, Bongbong, Lunga, and Camp Lookout
The areas affected by the power interruption include a portion of Feeder 2A of the Bagacay Substation. Specifically, the outage will affect the area starting from the three-phase line disconnect at the corner of Taft Street and Burgos Street in South Poblacion, Valencia, extending along the Valencia line to the entirety of Bongbong and Lunga, and up to Camp Lookout in Valencia. Residents and businesses within these areas should prepare for the temporary loss of electricity during the specified hours.
NORECO II Advises Safety Precautions During Power Interruption
NORECO II has issued several safety reminders to residents in the affected areas. The cooperative advises member-customer-owners to take the necessary precautions, including turning off all electrical switches before the interruption begins. This helps prevent potential surges or damage to appliances when power is restored. After the power returns, residents are advised to wait for five minutes before switching on their electrical appliances to allow the system to stabilize.
Early Power Restoration Possible Depending on Maintenance Progress
While the scheduled interruption is expected to last until 5:00 P.M., NORECO II has indicated that the maintenance work may be completed ahead of schedule. If the repairs and upgrades are finished sooner than anticipated, power may be restored earlier. However, NORECO II urges residents to treat all power lines as energized at all times, even during the scheduled interruption, as a safety precaution.
Dilapidated Poles and Vegetation Management Addressed by NORECO II
The replacement of dilapidated wooden poles is a crucial aspect of NORECO II's maintenance program. Over time, wooden poles can deteriorate due to weather exposure, insect infestation, and other factors, compromising their structural integrity and posing a risk to the power lines they support. Rerouting the three-phase line and clearing vegetation are also essential for preventing power outages caused by tree branches or other obstructions coming into contact with the lines. These proactive measures help ensure a more stable and reliable power supply for the community.
NORECO II's Commitment to Reliable Electricity Service
NORECO II, through this scheduled power interruption, underscores its commitment to providing reliable and safe electricity service to its member-customer-owners. Regular maintenance and upgrades are necessary to maintain the integrity of the power distribution network and prevent unexpected outages. By proactively addressing potential issues such as aging infrastructure and vegetation encroachment, NORECO II aims to minimize disruptions and ensure a consistent power supply for the communities it serves. The cooperative recognizes the inconvenience caused by power interruptions and appreciates the understanding of its customers as it works to improve the electricity infrastructure.
Public Dissemination Approved by General Manager Atty. Fe Marie D. Dicen-Tagle
The scheduled power interruption advisory was approved for public dissemination by Atty. Fe Marie D. Dicen-Tagle, General Manager of NORECO II, highlighting the importance of informing the public about planned service disruptions. The announcement was made through various channels, including the NORECO II official Facebook page, to ensure that residents in the affected areas are well-informed and can make necessary preparations. The cooperative also provided contact numbers for inquiries and concerns related to the power interruption, further demonstrating its commitment to customer service and transparency.
Residents Urged to Contact NORECO II for Inquiries and Updates
NORECO II encourages residents with questions or concerns regarding the scheduled power interruption to contact the cooperative directly. The advisory includes the trunk line numbers 225-7072 local 101, as well as mobile numbers 0917-322-4237 and 0908-864-1681. Residents can also reach out through the NORECO II official Facebook page (@norecotwo) for updates and information. By providing multiple channels for communication, NORECO II aims to address any queries and ensure that residents are kept informed about the progress of the maintenance work and the expected time of power restoration.
Looking Ahead: Continued Investment in Power Infrastructure Upgrades
The scheduled power interruption in Valencia is part of NORECO II's ongoing efforts to invest in and upgrade the power infrastructure in its service area. By proactively addressing potential issues and conducting regular maintenance, the cooperative aims to improve the reliability and stability of the electricity supply for its member-customer-owners. These investments are crucial for supporting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Negros Oriental. NORECO II is committed to continuing its efforts to modernize the power grid and provide a safe, reliable, and affordable electricity service to the communities it serves. The cooperative plans to announce future maintenance schedules and upgrades well in advance to minimize disruption and ensure that residents are adequately informed.
Photo credit: Photo from NORECO II