5 December 2014

(Taguig City) With the commitment of securing the power supply and connections during natural disasters, the Department of Energy (DOE), alongside its attached agencies, continuously coordinates and monitors the conditions of the energy facilities that might be affected on the onslaught of typhoon Ruby set to have its first landfall on Saturday in the Visayas.

DOE Sec. Carlos Jericho L. Petilla during the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) meeting yesterday said that the electric cooperatives (ECs) under extreme circumstances are responsible to take all necessary and precautionary measures to prevent further damage or accidents from happening within their franchise area.

“Power shutdowns during typhoons will not come from us, if it is already endangering the people's lives, then the cooperatives may have to turn off their lines.” said Sec. Petilla.

Additionally he noted that oil companies are already monitoring the situation and commit to ensure sufficient supply within 24 hours after the onslaught of the typhoon. Likewise, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) as well as the Distributions Utilities (DUs) are on alert and will commence rapid assessment of the power assets as soon as the typhoon passes. The National Electrification Administration (NEA) is ready to mobilize Task Force Kapatid to assist in restoration efforts as needed. As of today, the NGCP reports that transmission lines in the Visayas are in normal conditions.

The DOE will continue to monitor and update the public on the power situation as Typhoon Ruby nears the country.