As part of its five-year development plan, Negros Power is looking at introducing the underground cabling system in Bacolod City to eliminate spaghetti wires. Recently, Mayor Albee Benitez and Negros Power’s Chief Operating Officer Engr. Bernard Bailey Del Castillo have initiated discussions on an initiative to relocate the city’s electrical and telecommunication cables underground.
This strategic move aligns with Mayor Albee’s vision to elevate Bacolod into a “world-class Super City.” It has been noted that in the past, Mayor Benitez expressed his displeasure over the current visible network of overhead cables. One of the things he addressed when he assumed his position was to clean up what is often called “spaghetti wires” having on electrical poles. He found these very “unsightly”.
The proposed project entails the underground placement of all cables along Lacson Street in Bacolod City, encompassing telecommunication and Negros Power lines.
How Will Underground Cables Work to Eradicate Spaghetti Wires
Underground cabling aims to correct the problem of “spaghetti wires” problem rampant around Bacolod City. It will enhance the aesthetics of the urban Bacolod landscape.
The implementation of underground cables will utilize the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, enabling conduit installation with minimal surface disruption. This means that despite the work being done, the area will have minimal traffic disturbances while ensuring pedestrian safety.
Engr. Del Castillo disclosed that the forthcoming underground cables will be custom-designed for subterranean settings, offering enhanced heat resistance and waterproofing properties compared to the current above-ground wires.
Additionally, they aim to synchronize the installation of underground conduits with various telecommunications companies enabling shared infrastructure usage. This will minimize expenses for each company.
In preparation for the project, Mayor Benitez and Engr. Del Castillo deliberated on the necessity of a City Ordinance to establish the project’s legal framework. The next step would be to secure the Energy Regulatory Commission‘s (ERC) approval.