July 26, 2024, Friday, Executive Conference Hall, Tapaz Government Center
In response to the invitation of the Municipal Government of Tapaz, a team from CAPELCO headed by Acting General Manager Engr. Edgar D. Diaz participated in the meeting to shed light on concerns raised by the municipality on matters involving the electric services in Tapaz. This is in the wake of the complaint on power quality and the intermittent power interruption periodically occurring in the area.
It was explained through sample data that low voltage occurred prior to the energization of 15 MVA power transformer at Dao Substation. After the energization on June 2, 2024, record showed a substantial improvement in the voltage level based on the sample taken in areas as far as San Nicolas, Tapaz. AGM Diaz also discussed the ongoing upgrade of the line from Dolores, Dumalag to Poblacion Tapaz with a corresponding budgetary allocation amounting to P34.75 Million which will substantially improve power quality because it has a bigger conductor size and a more resilient design. To address recurring power interruption, AGM Diaz explained the ongoing massive clearing operation and the replacement of polymer insulators. Clearing crew are “stay-in” in Tapaz for a week so as to maximize their working time.
Maintenance crew are no longer required to report to Dumalag in order to maximize their presence to respond to complaints on power interruptions. Even refueling of their service vehicles are also done in Tapaz to eliminate travel time. AGM Diaz requested for support from the Barangay Officials to help out in the clearing operation and to assist in the resolution of right-of-way concerns.
Mayor Roberto O. Palomar not only appreciated the presence of AGM Diaz but also expressed his gratitude to CAPELCO for its initiative to address recurring problems. He manifested that Tapaz not only need “high quality service” but also a more reliable power supply because of the future plan to convert Tapaz as the regional hub for Panay Island. He also announced that he will endeavor to ensure that all off-grid barangays of Tapaz will be connected to CAPELCO in order to have reliable power in their place. In response to this, AGM Diaz announced that, if the weather permits, construction of power line extension to Barangay Tabon will start on Monday the following week. This extension of line will reduce the number of off-grid barangays to only 15.
The meeting was also graced by Former National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Emmanuel P. Juaneza who also shared his observation on the things needed to be put in place that shall support the initiatives of the Municipal Government and to meet the future power requirements of the municipality. The ensuing open forum clarified issues such as the momentary tripping off of power explained to have been caused by some technical configurations at Dao Substation that CAPELCO committed to fix.
The meeting was also attended by members of the Sangguniang Bayan and Department Heads of Tapaz as well as Barangay Officials of Barangay Tabon. CAPELCO team is also composed of Area Manager Dennis D. Figueroa, MSD Supervisor Rey T. Cordenillo and District Engineer Clark D. Ongchua.
