Energy Department Prepares Contingency Measures for Storm Nina

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi directed the energy family and its partner agencies to prepare and closely monitor the entry of Tropical Storm (TS) Nina in ensuring minimal impact to energy facilities for the people to enjoy continuous energy supply during the holidays.

According to the weather bureau PAGASA, TS Nina is expected to make landfall over the Bicol Region, particularly in Samar, between 24 and 25 December 2016.

Sec. Cusi said, “I asked the energy family, specifically the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA), to prepare necessary pre-cautionary measures, especially for the speedy restoration and recovery if the storm will affect the power facilities.”

“Even during holidays, the Task-Force Kapatid will be readied for easy mobilization of assets,” Secretary Cusi added.

In particular, the Secretary also alerted the concerned electric cooperatives specifically those within the projected track of the storm of their contingency measures and to closely coordinate with concerned government agencies and local government units.

As to petroleum products, Sec. Cusi asked the oil companies to ensure prescribed inventory of fuels, especially to those communities that depend on gasoline and diesel for their daily activities, to protect oil consumers from hampered services.

On the other hand, Sec. Cusi reminds the public to immediately report to the nearest authority/ies any incidents affecting the power supply facilities and to exercise emergency and safety measures as follows:

· Charge flashlights and mobile phones
· Be informed on the latest news updates
· Switch-off circuit breaker and other electrical systems to avoid electrocution, among other electrical mishap.
· After the typhoon, check first before using the electrical systems to avoid short circuits.

“We should not downplay the possible impacts of Tropical Storm Nina. We have to consistently prepare and ensure that the generation, transmission, distribution and oil facilities are all operational before, during and even after the storm. The DOE is committed to work for the Filipinos to enjoy the holidays despite the coming of the typhoon,” Secretary Cusi concluded.