Aboitiz Power Corp., through its subsidiary Hedcor Bukidnon Inc. (HBI), said that its 39.1 megawatts (MW) Manolo Fortich hydro power plant 1 in Bukidnon is temporarily decommissioned following landslides and pipe failure incidents.
In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, Aboitiz Power said persistent rains in the locality since June caused soil saturation, erosion and mudslides resulting in pipe dislocations, pipe bursts and damage to the high head penstock line.
“The affected facilities have been temporarily decommissioned pending the necessary repairs. HBI remains operational while it is conducting a full assessment of the extent and value of the damage to the facilities, as well as the financial impact on its operations,” the statement said.
Based on the company’s initial assessment of damage to affected facilities and assuming that rainfall materially abates by end-October, full restoration will take approximately eight months.
HBI said insurance brokers, adjusters and lenders have been informed and are currently undergoing the process of filing the insurance claims.
The AboitizPower subsidiary owns, operates and manages the Manolo Fortich hydro power plants 1 and 2 with a combined net sellable capacity of 68.8 MW.
