Aboitiz steps up power restoration efforts

MANILA, Philippines - Aboitiz Power, the power generation arm of the Aboitiz Group, through units Visayan Electric Co. (Veco), Subic Enerzone and Davao Light and Power, is stepping up efforts to restore electricity in Northern Cebu and in the fourth district of Leyte.

However, Aboitiz Power said it was still uncertain when power could be restored in the entire city of Ormoc due to the extent of damage caused by Super Typhoon Yolanda, said Raul Lucero, Aboitiz Power’s vice-president for engineering.

“Ninety five percent of lines and poles are damaged. But even if residences still have no power, the immediate goal is to at least energize the municipal halls, utilities and other important establishments. To date, the Ormoc City Hall, some hospitals, banks and streetlights have already been energized,” he said.

Lucero said the three units have already deployed roughly 77 linemen, engineers and support staff to Northern Cebu since the second week of November.

This after the super typhoon ripped through Central Visayas, toppling transmission lines and power facilities in areas including Northern Cebu, Leyte, Samar and Iloilo.

Lucero said to date, the three power units have already restored a total of 873 poles in Northern Cebu, re-energized all the municipal halls serviced by electric cooperative Cebu Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Cebeco) as well as the business center of Bogo City.

However, Aboitiz Power said some residential and business establishments could still not be energized due to damaged electrical installations.

The three power units will continue to work on the 13.2-kV backbone feeder lines from San Remegio to Luyang, Bogo City to Sugod and Medellin to Daan Bantayan, the company said.

The company also diverted 23 team members out of the 77-man team to Ormoc City to help in the city’s re-electrification, which has resulted in the restoration of 22 electric poles.