The Department of Energy (DOE) said electricity has been restored to 3.6 million households and businesses across Luzon and the Visayas, as the power sec

tor accelerates repairs in areas hit by Typhoons Tino and Uwan. Customers without power have dropped from 4.8 million to around 1.2 million, according to the DOE’s latest virtual briefing on Saturday.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the agency and the industry are working nonstop to reconnect heavily affected communities. “We are working relentlessly to restore electricity,” she said, noting the President’s directive to prioritize Catanduanes, Negros, and other hard-hit provinces.

Transmission operator the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported major progress, including full restoration of its facilities in Marinduque and Masbate, as well as the energization of key lines in Catanduanes. The La Trinidad–Sagada 69 kV line was restored on November 14 at 7:16 PM, while the

Sabangan Hydroelectric Plant has synchronized back to the grid.

Off-grid operator National Power Corporation (NPC) said 58 out of its 76 Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) plants are now fully operational, with several others on standby pending repairs in distribution lines. Restoration work is ongoing at the Palumbanes Diesel Power Plant, which NPC targets to complete by November 21.

Electric cooperatives also reported varying levels of progress. NORECO I in Negros Oriental has restored power to all its barangays, while NOCECO and NONECO in Negros Occidental reported 89% and 60.71% restoration, respectively. In the Bicol Region, MASELCO is now at 98.20%, while FICELCO in Catanduanes remains at 16.51% due to heavy pole damage and debris blocking access roads.

Private distribution utilities in Luzon and the Visayas have nearly completed restoration, with Visayan Electric at 96.5% and Negros Electric & Power Corp. at 90.28%.

DOE officials highlighted the critical role of Task Force Kapatid, which has mobilized more electric cooperatives to assist in Bicol and Negros. “Collaboration under Task Force Kapatid is vital in bringing back reliable electricity and supporting recovery,” Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said.

Do you think the post-typhoon restoration efforts show improved coordination across the country’s power sector?

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