Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla on Monday called on the distribution utilities (DUs), electric cooperatives (ECs), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for a proactive and resilient approach to energy restoration following the series of tropical cyclones that struck the country in recent weeks.
Lotilla, in a statement, highlighted the importance of a “build back better” strategy focused on constructing more typhoon-resistant power lines and improving the energy network’s data capabilities.
Lotilla noted the importance of continuously evaluating the wind resistance of existing distribution and transmission lines and determining the structural integrity of power lines and other energy assets across the country.
“Identifying the specific weaknesses in the network allow for targeted reinforcements to be made where they are needed most. The goal is to strengthen the power lines in high-risk areas, ensuring that these lines can better withstand the impact of future storms, thus minimizing disruptions and reducing the risks posed by extreme weather events. Such proactive measures will enhance the resilience of the country’s energy infrastructure and help safeguard communities from prolonged power outages during severe weather conditions,” he said.
Lotilla cited the usefulness of mapping oil and gas assets, generation plants and transmission lines to ensure adequate preparations and safeguard critical energy infrastructure during emergencies and extreme weather events.
He said ECs have been upgrading distribution lines to withstand winds up to 280 kilometers per hour (kph), but there are still 69 kV transmission lines that can only handle winds up to 160 kph.
Meanwhile, restoration work is underway in most affected areas to ensure the swift return of electricity services damaged by these tropical cyclones as instructed by the President.
Teams of linemen, engineers, and technical personnel from electric cooperatives across Northern and Southern Luzon, including Aurora Province, and the Bicol Region, along with the NGCP and private DUs, are working to bring power back to affected communities.
The DOE said as of Nov. 18, 2024, partial restorations were completed on the Bayombong-Lagawe and the Cabanatuan-San Luis 69 kV lines with efforts being continued to full restoration to bring back power swiftly in areas they serve, including the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (Ifelco), Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (Nuvelco) II and Aurora Electric Cooperative (Aurelco).
Restoration efforts are also underway for the Santiago-Cauayan 69 kV line, which serves Isabela Electric Cooperative (Iselco), with NGCP line crews actively working in accessible areas.
Meanwhile, restoration work is underway in areas severely impacted by Tropical Storm Nika, including those served by Iselco I & II, Quirino Electric Cooperative (Quirelco), Kalinga Electric Cooperative (Kaelco), Ifugao Electric Cooperative (Ifelco) and Aurelco.
The NEA, through its Task Force Kapatid program, has deployed 84 linemen, including responders from Nuvelco I, to assist Iselco I with its restoration efforts.
Efforts are also progressing in areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Ofel, including those served by Cagayan Electric Cooperative I and II (Cagelco) and Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative (Casurelco) III, which also sustained damage from Tropical Cyclone Kristine.
The DOE said 39 ECs from 26 provinces and 7 regions are under monitoring and assessment on the impact of Tropical Cyclone Pepito.
First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative implemented a manual shutdown, affecting 60,657 consumer connections across the province.
Restoration work began on Nov. 17, 2024, with linemen repairing downed posts and restoring disconnected lines.
