The Department of Energy (DOE) and its Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) are fast-tracking power restoration across storm-hit provinces while prioritizing critical facilities such as hospitals, evacuation centers, telecom and water utilities, and vital oil depots in the wake of Typhoon Uwan.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the DOE has directed all energy agencies and private utilities to focus first on restoring electricity and fuel services to essential infrastructure. 

“The top priority is the swift restoration of energy to critical facilities such as hospitals, evacuation centers, telecom and water utilities, government emergency operation centers, and vital oil depots,” Garin said. “We are working in close collaboration with energy sector stakeholders to pinpoint gaps in both electricity and fuel supply and ensure a safe and expedited restoration process.”

As of 9AM on November 11, power supply across all grids remains sufficient, though nine on-grid power plants are still offline and 63 off-grid facilities continue undergoing restoration. 

In the transmission network, nine 69-kV and two 230-kV lines remain unavailable, while most of the 108 lines affected by Uwan have already been restored. 

On the distribution side, 51 electric cooperatives are still for restoration, with eight experiencing total power interruption. Nationwide, 454 of 712 municipalities—or 63.76%—have been re-energized, and work continues to reconnect about 3.39 million consumer connections.

To reinforce these efforts, the DOE has mobilized its attached agencies, including the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Electrification Administration, and National Power Corporation, alongside Task Force Kapatid volunteer linemen from other regions. Meralco and other private utilities have restored electricity to more than 95 percent of customers within their franchise areas.

The DOE also confirmed that fuel supply remains sufficient and stable nationwide, with energy firms ensuring deliveries reach emergency services and relief hubs. A nationwide price freeze on kerosene and a temporary deferment of diesel and gasoline price increases remain in effect from November 7 to 21, under Proclamation No. 1077, which placed the country under a state of national calamity.

Garin added that the DOE is gathering real-time data from these concurrent typhoons to improve resilience protocols and long-term disaster preparedness. 

“The continuous stream of data and real-time insights we are gathering during these natural events are proving invaluable. We are committed to translating these findings into concrete action plans and integrating enhanced protocols to strengthen our response capabilities and protect our communities from future climate-related events,” she said.

What are your thoughts on the DOE’s focus on critical facilities during Typhoon Uwan recovery efforts?

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