Photo credit: DOST-PAGASA

The Department of Energy (DOE) said it is working with stakeholders across the power sector to accelerate electricity restoration in areas hit by Super Typhoon Nando and the enhanced southwest monsoon. The agency emphasized that, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., hospitals, evacuation centers, water systems, and households must not suffer prolonged outages.

In its latest update, the DOE reported that several renewable energy facilities were disrupted by the typhoon. The 100-megawatt Cagayan North Solar project tripped on September 21 but was restored the next day. The 81-MW Caparispisan Wind facility was also restored within the same day. Meanwhile, the 51.9-MW Bangui Wind project remained offline due to line faults, with restoration targeted for September 23, while the Pagudpud Wind project was still offline and pending further assessment. Despite these outages, overall supply in the Luzon Grid remained sufficient.

Transmission facilities have also been stabilized. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) confirmed that all transmission lines were restored by 1:05 p.m. on September 23. Off-grid areas, however, continued to face challenges. The Basco Diesel Plant in Batanes sustained damage and is under restoration, while five other diesel plants in Batanes, Isabela, Apayao, and Calayan were placed on standby.

Hydropower facilities reported normal operations. SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) continued running, while the Ambuklao, Binga, and Magat dams conducted controlled spilling.

Electric cooperatives were also affected by Nando’s impact. Data from the National Electrification Administration showed that 32 cooperatives in 22 provinces experienced varying levels of disruption. Of these, 21 were operating normally, eight reported partial brownouts, and three—Abra Electric Cooperative (ABRECO), Batanes Electric Cooperative (BATANELCO), and Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC)—suffered total outages. At least 271 out of 411 municipalities, or about 65.94 percent, had been re-energized, while restoration was still ongoing for more than 638,000 household connections.

Other facilities were not spared. The DOE said three electric vehicle charging stations in La Union and Ilocos Norte were offline, though the rest remained operational.

The agency added that it is coordinating with the National Power Corporation, the National Irrigation Administration, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and local government units to manage dam operations, monitor fuel supply, clear roads, and accelerate repair works in affected communities.

What additional measures do you think should be prioritized to improve power restoration during strong typhoons?

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