3 geothermal plants in quake-hit areas back online

MANILA, Philippines - Over 100 megawatts (MW) from three geothermal plants of the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) were expected to be available yesterday to areas affected by a magnitude 6.5 earthquake that hit the Visayas, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

In a report to the DOE, EDC said they were testing the repaired central switching stations yesterday in coordination with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

Upper Mahiao units 2 and 3 can supply 26 MW each while Malitbog unit 1 can provide  77.5 MW, DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella told a press briefing.

Fuentebella said three distribution utilities in Bohol and 11 electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas are ready to receive power supply from the geothermal plants.

The DOE has set a 10-day timeline to restore power in Bohol and Region 8.

“People are working double time to repair the necessary energy facilities,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

EDC is targeting the delivery on Monday of 317 MW out of a total 625 MW its geothermal plants supply to the Visayas grid. It also distributed generator sets to vital installations, including municipal and city halls, water pumping stations and hospitals.

The DOE is in talks with alternative power providers to mobilize barges to be brought to Leyte and Bohol.