The Department of Energy (DOE) conducted an on-site visit and inspection of the Mindanao Geothermal Power Plant (MGPP) on November 4.
This was done through the agency’s Mindanao Field Office and Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB). The visit intends to assess the power situation and status of energy facilities after the 6.5 magnitude earthquake that had hit Tulunan, North Cotabato last October 31.
“The entire Task Force on Energy Resiliency has been working round the clock to gather relevant information and assess the situation on the ground. Our utmost priority will always be the safety of our people. We have deployed our technical team to visit and inspect the affected power facilities and coordinate with relevant agencies on the way forward,” DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi was quoted in a Philippine Information Agency report.
Mt. Apo Geothermal Power Plant’s Units 1 and 2 were not operational due to the earthquake, which caused minor damages to the switchyard equipment.
Owner and operator of the said plants Energy Development Corporation (EDC) is conducting a full site appraisal and evaluation.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’s (NGCP) Kidapawan Substation will be repaired for an entire month due to substantial damage.
Power supply in Mindanao remains stable despite disrupted operations due to the damages the plants and the substation suffered.
DOE ensures that the department is working together to restore these facilities as soon as possible.
“We have also been working with the concerned local government authorities in extending assistance to the communities, such as the provision of lighting and charging facilities, relief operations in evacuation sites, and the monitoring of vital power facilities,” Cusi concluded.
