The Negros Oriental II Electric Cooperative (NORECO II) has announced a scheduled power service interruption affecting multiple areas in Valencia on March 26, 2026, as part of infrastructure maintenance and safety improvements.

According to an official advisory issued by NORECO II General Manager Atty. Fe Marie D. Dicen-Tagle on March 19, 2026, the power interruption will occur on Thursday, March 26, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, lasting approximately eight and a half hours.

Specific Areas Affected by Power Interruption

The scheduled outage will impact part of Feeder 2A of Bagacay Substation, covering a significant portion of Valencia’s residential and commercial areas. The affected zone extends from the three-phase line disconnect at the corner of Taft Street and Burgos Street in South Poblacion, Valencia.

The power interruption will encompass the entire areas of Bongbong and Lunga, extending all the way up to Camp Lookout in Valencia. This coverage area represents one of the more extensive scheduled maintenance operations conducted by NORECO II in recent months.

Residents and businesses along the Valencia line within these specified boundaries should prepare for the extended power outage and make necessary arrangements for alternative power sources if needed.

Infrastructure Upgrades Drive Maintenance Schedule

NORECO II cited three primary reasons for the scheduled power interruption, all focused on improving the reliability and safety of the electrical distribution system. The cooperative will replace dilapidated wooden poles that have reached the end of their service life and pose potential safety hazards.

Additionally, crews will reroute the three-phase line to optimize power distribution and reduce future maintenance requirements. The operation also includes comprehensive vegetation clearing along the power lines to prevent tree-related outages during severe weather conditions.

These infrastructure improvements represent part of NORECO II’s ongoing commitment to modernizing the electrical grid and reducing unplanned power interruptions that can disrupt daily activities and business operations.

Early Completion Possible, Safety Warnings Issued

While the scheduled interruption is planned to last until 5:00 PM, NORECO II indicated that all maintenance work may be completed ahead of the projected timeline. The cooperative stated that power may be restored earlier than scheduled if conditions allow for accelerated work completion.

However, the utility company emphasized a critical safety warning for all residents in the affected areas. “Please consider the lines always energized,” the advisory stated, highlighting the importance of treating all power lines as live electrical hazards even during scheduled maintenance periods.

This safety precaution protects both NORECO II workers and community members who may encounter power lines during the maintenance window.

Consumer Safety Guidelines and Precautions

NORECO II provided specific safety instructions for member-customer-owners in the affected areas to prevent electrical damage and ensure personal safety. The cooperative advised all consumers to turn off electrical switches before the scheduled interruption begins at 8:30 AM.

When power service is restored, consumers should wait a full five minutes before switching on their electrical appliances and devices. This waiting period allows the electrical system to stabilize and prevents potential damage from power surges or fluctuations that may occur during system restoration.

The advisory also recommended that consumers take necessary precautions to protect sensitive electronic equipment, including computers, televisions, and other valuable appliances that could be damaged by sudden power restoration.

Communication Channels and Customer Support

NORECO II has established multiple communication channels for customers who need assistance or updates regarding the scheduled power interruption. The cooperative provided trunk line numbers 225-7072 local 101 for direct contact with customer service representatives.

Mobile phone contacts are also available at 0917-322-4237 and 0908-864-1681 for customers who prefer cellular communication. The cooperative maintains an active social media presence under the handle @norecotwo for real-time updates and announcements.

The official NORECO II building is located at Real Street, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental 6200, with additional contact information available through their email address ogm@noreco2.com.ph and trunk line numbers (035) 225-7071 or (035) 225-7072.

Regional Impact on Valencia Community

The scheduled power interruption will affect thousands of households and businesses in the Valencia area, including residential communities in South Poblacion, Bongbong, and Lunga. Local businesses should prepare for the eight-hour outage by adjusting operating hours or arranging backup power solutions.

Educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and essential services within the affected areas have been given advance notice to implement contingency plans. The March 26 date falls on a Thursday, which may impact regular business operations and school activities in the affected zones.

Community members have been encouraged to plan accordingly, including charging electronic devices, preparing alternative lighting sources, and coordinating any medical equipment that requires continuous power supply.

NORECO II’s Commitment to Service Improvement

General Manager Atty. Fe Marie D. Dicen-Tagle expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the scheduled interruption while emphasizing the long-term benefits of the infrastructure improvements. The cooperative’s motto “wired to serve” reflects their commitment to providing reliable electrical service through proactive maintenance.

This scheduled maintenance represents part of NORECO II’s broader infrastructure modernization program, which aims to reduce unplanned outages and improve overall system reliability for member-customer-owners throughout their service area.

Photo credit: Advisory courtesy of NORECO II