The Department of Energy has directed power plant operators and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to restore electricity in areas where Super Typhoon Nando unleashed its fury for three days in Northern Luzon.
Three electric cooperatives are still without electricity, according to the National Electrification Administration (NEA). At the same time, four renewable energy facilities in Northern Luzon were battered by the super typhoon that exited on Sept. 23 as the weather bureau had forecast.
The DOE asked stakeholders to work double time with private firms, transmission, and distribution utilities to minimize outages and ensure that lifeline facilities “do not endure prolonged power outages.”
Lifeline facilities include hospitals, water systems, and evacuation centers.
According to the NEA, electricity had yet to be restored in the following: Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Abra Electric Cooperative, and Batanes Electric Cooperative.
Eight other cooperatives are experiencing partial outages.
On Tuesday, the NEA said that 21 of the 32 cooperatives across 22 provinces under monitoring are in regular operation. So far, 65.94 percent of municipalities have been re-energized, covering more than 638,000 consumer connections.
The power supply to the 100-megawatt (MW) Cagayan North Solar Power Plant in Lal-lo, Cagayan, and the 81-MW Caparispisan Wind Power Plant was restored yesterday.
The 51.9-MW Bangui Wind Power Plant in Ilocos Norte remained offline but was targeted for restoration today, while the Pagudpud Wind Power Plant was undergoing assessment.
The DOE said overall supply in the Luzon Grid remains sufficient.
All NGCP transmission lines affected by the typhoon were fully restored as of yesterday afternoon, re-energizing previously affected areas, the DOE said.
In off-grid locations, repairs are ongoing at the Basco Diesel Power Plant in Batanes, which sustained equipment damage. Meanwhile, five other diesel plants across Batanes, Isabela, Apayao, and Calayan are on standby.
The DOE stated that it continues to coordinate with energy stakeholders and government agencies to ensure timely restoration, including managing dam spill releases with community warnings, monitoring fuel supplies, and clearing access roads to expedite repairs.
