Wazzup Pilipinas!
Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi today directed the energy family to observe energy resiliency measures to combat the adverse effects of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Vinta (international name: Tembin).
“The DOE assures the public that the energy family will work together on a 24/7 basis to immediately secure and normalize the energy supply in the STS Vinta-affected areas,” Cusi concluded.
According to the weather bureau PAGASA, the maximum sustained winds of STS Vinta reach 65 kilometers/hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 110 kph. The center of the storm has traversed the vicinity of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur, compromising power facilities in the franchise areas of electric cooperatives in nearby provinces.
“We are coordinating with electric cooperatives and other energy stakeholders in the affected areas through the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATFSEF). We continuously monitor developments and reports so that we can mobilize our assets to assist the most affected households and stakeholders in the storm-hit areas,” Cusi said.
For the transmission sector, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that the affected energy facilities are as follows:
1. Paranas-Quinapondan 69kV Line, which was out at 10:49 p.m. of 22 Dec. affecting Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO);
2. San Francisco-Tandag 69kV Line, which was out at 6:19 p.m. of 21 December affecting Surigao del Sur II Electric Cooperative (SURSECO II);
3. Bislig-Cateel-Baganga 69kV Line, which was out at 1:28 a.m. of 22 December affecting Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative (DORECO);
4. Jasaan-Kinoguitan 69kV Line, was out at 4:06 a.m. of 22 December but with atrial restoration at 5:23 a.m. The transmission line affected Camiguin Electric Cooperative Incorporated (CAMELCO) and Misamis Oriental II Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO II);
5. Balo-i-Marawi 69kV Line, which was out at 5:02 a.m. of 22 December affecting Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative (LASURECO);
6. Agus6-Kauswagan 69kV Line, which was out 7:31 a.m. of 22 December affecting Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative (LANECO);
7. Agus 6-Mapalad 69kV Line, which was out 10:18 p.m. of 22 December 2017 affecting Iligan Light & Power Inc.
According to the NGCP, the inspection and restoration of the affected lines will be in full swing as soon as the weather allows.
For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) reported that the LASURECO franchise area is in total blackout due to heavy rains and strong winds brought about by TS Vinta. Initial reports showed that electric lines and steel poles were toppled down in some areas in MSU Barrio Salam, MSU Fisheries, Municipality of Marantao in Lanao del Sur and Municipality of Baloi in Lanao del Norte. Meanwhile, a Quick Response Team is now doing all the clearing in the affected areas.
In Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative (ASELCO), only 1 feeder tripped in Trento substation due to a tree leaning on the line. There are also occurrences of minor trippings on the lateral lines and sitios in Veruela area.
Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO), particularly the areas in Compostela Valley, are experiencing heavy downpour. Only the towns of Montevista, Nabunturan and Mawab are energized, while the rest are still experiencing trippings. The Municipality of Laak and Asuncion are experiencing power outage but linemen and crew were already dispatched to patrol the lines.
For the downstream oil industry sector, the DOE is closely coordinating with industry players on the ground for updates and reports on matters affecting petroleum products.
The DOE’s line is open for any energy related concern, just contact the Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. 429 2900 local 329 or email them at info@doe.gov.ph.
Ross is known as the Pambansang Blogger ng Pilipinas - An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Professional by profession and a Social Media Evangelist by heart.
