The Department of Energy (DOE) is mobilizing its resources to restore power in areas affected by tropical storm Vinta within this week in time for the New Year.
“Our personnel and staff will continue working during the Christmas break to rehabilitate affected energy facilities, and to coordinate, monitor and report the developments for easy and fast mobilization of assets in places that need assistance,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.
Based on reports from DOE and attached agencies, National Power Corp. (NPC) said that there was no damage on its energy power plants/lines in areas affected by Vinta.
Meanwhile, transmission facilities affected by the storm were restored last December 24, the National Grid. Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said.
National Electrification Administration (NEA) said that nine electric cooperatives were severely affected by the tropical storm that resulted in power interruptions in a few towns with their franchise areas.
ECs and towns that are still undergoing restoration are:
- Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO) – portions of Marawi City, Piagapo, Madalum, Madamba, Ganassi, Pualas, Pagayawan, and Tuburan;
- Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II) –San Miguel, Cagwait, Bayabas, Marigatag and portions of Tago;
- Davao del Norte (DANECO) – portions of Asuncion and New Corella;
- Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO) –portions of Baloi, Matungao, Tubod, and Salvador, Munai, and Tangkal;
- Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZANECO) –total blackout
- Zamboanga del Sur II Electric Cooperative (ZAMSURECO II) –Sirawi, Siocon, Baliguian, and portions of Titay;
- Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO) –portions of Veruela, Bunawan, Loreto, San Luis, La Paz, Talacogon, Sibagat, San Francisco, and Rosario;
- Misamis Oriental-I Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO I) –Talakag and portions of Cagayan de Oro City but expected completion by Wednesday;
- Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) –Brooke’s Point, Narra and Aborlan;
Meanwhile, Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC), Cagayan Electric Power and Light Co. Inc (CEPALCO) and Iligan Light and Power Inc. said that some areas are still without power due to dampened outlets and wiring caused by rain and flood.
DOE also reminded oil players to respect the price freeze in areas that are under a state of calamity. DOE-Oil Industry and Management Bureau, DOE- Field Offices, and the Department of Trade and Industry are monitoring the prices of LPG and kerosene in Biliran and Davao.
