NEA restores power to 1.6M households following #KristinePH

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) says that 1.6 million households have already been reconnected to power following the damage caused by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda reported that around 2.1 million households across 12 regions were initially affected, with electric cooperatives working swiftly to restore services. Almeda added that 500,000 homes are still awaiting reconnection.

NEA, along with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association (PHILRECA), is coordinating efforts to bring power back to areas affected by the storm.

Restoration work continues in regions serviced by Pangasinan I Electric Cooperative (Panelco I), Batangas I Electric Cooperative (Batelec I), Albay Electric Cooperative, Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative (Casureco II), and Casureco III.

Almeda noted that 168 out of 192 barangays in Pangasinan have been re-energized, while Batangas I Electric Cooperative has restored power to 76.2% of its connections.

In Naga, serviced by Casureco II, 76% of households now have power, although seven barangays remain flooded. Meanwhile, in Casureco III, covering Iriga in Camarines Sur, the energization rate remains at 54% due to ongoing flooding.

In Albay, 62% of households have electricity restored, and Almeda highlighted the support of Task Force Kapatiran, which is helping to expedite recovery efforts.

Essential services, including hospitals, evacuation centers, and ports in Matnog and Allen, have also been prioritized for re-energization to ensure smooth flow of goods.

In Catanduanes, First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative has restored 92% of power, while the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative has achieved full restoration.

Almeda estimated the initial cost of the damage to energy infrastructure in affected areas at around PHP 50 million, with assessments ongoing.