The Department of Energy (DOE) has identified widespread flooding as the single biggest barrier to quickly restoring electricity in areas hit by super typhoons and heavy monsoon rains, warning that safety concerns can delay repairs by days or even weeks.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella, who chairs the Task Force on Energy Resiliency, said crews are mobilized as soon as weather permits but often cannot proceed until floodwaters recede. 

“Restoring electricity after a typhoon is not just about fixing broken lines. Flooding blocks access roads, submerges electrical equipment, and exposes our crews and the public to life-threatening hazards. We cannot rush restoration if it risks electrocution, equipment failure, or further damage. Safety always comes first,” he said.

The DOE noted that the combined effects of Typhoons Crising, Dante, and Emong in July, compounded by the southwest monsoon, left hundreds of households in Bulacan and Pangasinan without power days after the storms exited, as utilities waited for floodwaters to subside.

Floodwaters can leave transformers, substations, meters, and cables submerged, requiring thorough drying, cleaning, and testing before they can be safely re-energized, while prolonged exposure accelerates corrosion and damages critical components.

Flooding also forces gasoline stations to halt operations due to access issues and safety risks, affecting fuel supply and essential services. The DOE stressed that even when crews and operators are ready, ground conditions ultimately dictate restoration timelines.

 “As the President rightly pointed out, this is a problem we must address not only for immediate recovery but for long-term resilience,” Fuentebella said, adding that the DOE will continue working with utilities, local governments, and other agencies to improve readiness and ensure faster, safer recovery in future disasters. 

How should the energy sector address flood-related hazards to speed up post-disaster power restoration? Share your thoughts. 

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community to stay up to date on the latest energy news.