The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that it has restored all its 69-kilovolt (kV) transmission lines in Bohol affected by Typhoon Odette last month.
This comes as the grid company was able to energize the Ubay-Trinidad-Carmen 69kV line on Tuesday, two weeks ahead of its January 31 target. The line serves the Bohol I Electric Cooperative (BOHECO I) and the Bohol II Electric Cooperative (BOHECO II).
BOHECO I covers the western half of Bohol, excluding Tagbilaran City, while BOHECO II serves the eastern half.
NGCP is still working on restoring its two remaining 138kV transmission lines in the province to establish reconnection to the Visayas Grid. The two lines will serve as the island’s internal backbone.
The grid firm’s two toppled special towers on mainland Bohol and Lapinig Island are part of the 138kV Tugas-Ubay line, which is linked to the Leyte-Bohol interconnection that carries 60% of Bohol’s power demand.
“We are continuously working on the restoration of the remaining affected transmission lines at the soonest possible time. We are coordinating with relevant internal and external groups to expedite all our activities, as well as ensure the safety of our deployed personnel,” NGCP said in a statement.
Earlier this week, the grid firm said it has restored transmission services to 97% of Odette-affected lines. Distribution, however, remains a problem as BOHECO I and II have resumed electricity services to less than ten percent of their household customers a month after the storm. BOHECO I is aiming for full restoration on April 15, while BOHECO II has yet to release a target date.
The Department of Energy has met with BOHECO I and II to help address restoration issues, while it will meet with seven other electric cooperatives that have also restored power to less than half of their respective household customers.
Photo from NGCP Facebook page.