The National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) has restored key facilities and maintained safe dam operations across multiple regions following Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, earning commendation from the Department of Energy (DOE) for its role in stabilizing power supply and protecting communities. Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the state-owned corporation’s response spotlights its importance in the country’s broader energy resiliency efforts.

Garin noted that all NAPOCOR-managed dams remained within normal operating conditions throughout the back-to-back weather disturbances, with no flooding incidents attributed to dam discharges. She said controlled releases and continuous monitoring allowed downstream communities to remain safe even at the height of the storms. 

“NAPOCOR’s performance during and after Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan is a concrete example of responsible and professional public service,” she said. “The safe operation of our dams and the rapid restoration of power in off-grid areas show the dedication of NAPOCOR’s engineers, linemen, and operations personnel, who worked under difficult conditions to keep our people safe and our systems stable.”

The DOE reported that all transmission lines affected by the typhoons have been fully restored in off-grid areas served by NAPOCOR’s Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG). Power supply is normalizing across key island communities. 

In Calayan, the diesel power plant is operational, with only two barangays awaiting distribution line repairs by the local government. In Ticao, the diesel plant is running, with restoration in four barangays pending work by the local electric cooperative. In Romblon, all NAPOCOR diesel plants have returned to normal operations.

Critical facilities such as the Marinara and Codon Substations and the Balongbong Hydroelectric Power Plant continue operating normally. The San Miguel and Viga Substations in Catanduanes are ready for full utilization once feeders are energized by the local electric cooperative.

More heavily impacted areas are undergoing accelerated rehabilitation. In Palumbanes, the diesel power plant sustained severe storm-surge damage, but repairs are being fast-tracked with a target restoration date of November 21. In Calaguas, Camarines Norte, the diesel plant is ready to operate once distribution lines are repaired, though its containerized bunkhouse was destroyed.

The DOE also highlighted the uninterrupted operations of the Agus–Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plant Complexes in Mindanao, which maintained their ten-year record of zero flooding incidents attributable to dam operations. Their year-to-date generation exceeded government performance targets by nearly 20%, contributing to grid stability and energy security across the region.

Secretary Garin said these accomplishments reflect the collective effort of NAPOCOR’s workforce and its partners in local government and electric cooperatives. 

“Our dams remain safe, our restoration work is progressing efficiently, and off-grid communities are steadily being re-energized,” she said. “I commend NAPOCOR’s leadership and its entire workforce, as well as our partner local governments, electric cooperatives, and frontline responders. Their collective work is helping families, businesses, and critical services get back on their feet.”

She also stressed that the DOE remains committed to ensuring full recovery in all affected areas. “The DOE will continue to support NAPOCOR and the entire energy family to ensure that no community is left behind in recovery,” Garin said. “We remain fully committed to building a more resilient and secure energy system for all Filipinos.”

What measures do you think should be prioritized to further strengthen power restoration and dam safety during extreme weather events?

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