Power restored in typhoon-affected areas

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) reported yesterday that electricity has been restored in most areas affected by tropical storm “Sendong.”

The DOE said as of Dec. 21, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines had finished the repairs and clearing operations of all their transmission lines in affected areas of Northeastern Mindanao where 100 percent of houses and commercial establishments have been energized.

The DOE, however, noted that due to physical conditions of areas affected by the flashfloods, electricity has not been restored in areas that are still submerged in floodwaters and mud for safety reasons to avoid short circuits, electrocutions, and fire breakouts.

“Nevertheless, power would be restored as soon as the areas are already cleared to be connected back to the grid,” the DOE said.

The DOE said that power had not been restored in Misamis Oriental, Talakag in Bukidnon that are under the Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative (MORESCO I).

The DOE said rehabilitation work for the affected structures of MORESCO I is expected to be completed not later than today.

“This will allow the restoration of power in the barangays, including one barangay in Baungon of Talakag, to be completed not later than Dec. 24,” it said.

As of Dec. 19, about 85 percent of Cagayan Electric Power & Light Company, Inc. (CEPALCO) service area covering Cagayan de Oro City and the municipalities of Tagoloan, Villanueva and Jasaan are back with power supply.

CEPALCO reported that the firm is waiting for the city’s Office of the Building Official clearance and certification for safety and readiness before power is restored. CEPALCO targets to reach 100 percent power service in two weeks’ time.

In Iligan City, as of Dec. 21, about 90 percent of power demand in Iligan was already restored. As reported by the DOE Mindanao Field Office, Iligan Light is still waiting until they can access some affected areas in the upper side of the city, which remains inaccessible, after the Department of Public Works and Highways are finished with their clearing operations.

In Surigao del Sur, the DOE said about 90 percent power restoration level of individual houses had been achieved. All houses in this part are expected to have their power back not later than Christmas Day.

Meanwhile, in Agusan del Sur, it was noted that household power restoration reached almost 100 percent as of Dec. 21.