Despite the challenges posed by typhoons Tino and Uwan, the energy sector has made significant strides in restoring power to affected communities, the Department of Energy said.
Led by the DOE’s Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER), the sector has reconnected 3.6 million homes and businesses, reducing the number without power from 4.8 million to 1.2 million.
“With President Ferdinand Marcos Jr’s directive driving our efforts, the energy sector stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the people of Negros, Catanduanes, and all areas devastated by typhoons Tino and Uwan,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a statement Nov. 15.
“Our teams are working relentlessly, facing down every obstacle to rapidly and safely restore power to affected communities and reignite the spirit of recovery in the hearts of Filipinos,” she added.
For electric cooperatives (ECs), the Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative Inc. restored power to 100 percent of barangays, or a total of 285, with 99.35 percent of consumer connections restored.
Full restoration is targeted between Nov. 16 and 22, the DOE said.
The Negros Occidental Electric Cooperative (Noceco) restored power to 89 percent of barangays, or 273 out of 308, with 86.47 percent of consumer connections restored. Overall completion is targeted for Nov. 16-21, with delays in La Castellana due to a damaged bridge.
The Northern Negros Electric Cooperative Inc. (Noneco), meanwhile, restored power to 60.71 percent of barangays, or 117 out of 192, and 61.48 percent of consumer connections. Restoration is targeted for Nov. 30, the DOE added.
Garin said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines also restored the La Trinidad – Sagada 69kV Line on Nov. 14. Transmission facilities in Catanduanes are energized, except for the San Miguel – Viga line, which is 83.33 percent complete.
First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative Inc. (Ficelco) has restored power to 16.51 percent of barangays, or 60 out of 315, with 31.41 percent of consumer connections restored. Restoration is hampered by damaged poles and debris.
In Bicol Region, the Maselco leads with 98.20 percent restoration, followed by Casureco II (63.76 percent) and Soreco I & II (near 70 percent). Casureco III and Tiselco face greater challenges with restoration rates at 30 percent and 13.63 percent, respectively, while Aleco is well on its way to meeting its Dec. 15 target, already achieving 60.21 percent.
Almost all private distribution utilities in Luzon and Visayas are 100 percent energized, except for the Visayan Electric Co. Inc (96.5 percent) and the Negros Electric and Power Co. (NEPC) (90.28 percent).
The Task Force Kapatid, uniting electric cooperatives from across the Philippines, is providing crucial support to expedite restoration to areas that are still partial, or totally unenergized. Teams from Northern Mindanao (Normca) and CARAGA-ACEC are already assisting with power restoration, and 15 electric cooperatives from Mindanao were deployed Nov. 15.
“The collaboration and dedication of the energy sector and Task Force Kapatid are vital to bringing light and hope back to our communities,” TFER chair and DOE undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, said. “We are committed to working tirelessly until every Filipino has access to reliable electricity.” ||
