Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla has called on the distribution utilities (DUs), electric cooperatives (ECs), the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for a proactive and resilient approach to energy restoration following the series of tropical cyclones that struck the country last week, highlighting the importance of a "build back better" strategy focused on constructing more typhoon-resistant power lines and improving the energy network's data capabilities.

In particular, the Energy Secretary emphasized the importance of continuously evaluating the wind resistance of existing distribution and transmission lines and determining the structural integrity of power lines and other energy assets across the country. 

“Identifying the specific weaknesses in the network allow for targeted reinforcements to be made where they are needed most. The goal is to strengthen the power lines in high-risk areas, ensuring that these lines can better withstand the impact of future storms, thus minimizing disruptions and reducing the risks posed by extreme weather events. Such proactive measures will enhance the resilience of the country's energy infrastructure and help safeguard communities from prolonged power outages during severe weather conditions,” the Secretary stressed.

The Secretary cited the usefulness of mapping oil and gas assets, generation plants and transmission lines to ensure adequate preparations and safeguard critical energy infrastructure during emergencies and extreme weather events. He noted that ECs have been upgrading distribution lines to withstand winds up to 280 kilometers per hour (kph) but there are still 69 kV transmission lines that can only handle winds up to 160 kph.

Meanwhile, restoration work is underway in most affected areas to ensure the swift return of electricity services damaged by these tropical cyclones as instructed by the President.

Teams of linemen, engineers, and technical personnel from electric cooperatives across Northern and Southern Luzon, including Aurora Province, and the Bicol Region, along with the NGCP and private DUs, are working to bring power back to affected communities.

As of 18 November 2024, partial restorations have been completed on the Bayombong-Lagawe and the Cabanatuan-San Luis 69 kV lines with efforts being continued to full restoration to bring back power swiftly in areas they serve, including the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO), Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO) II, and Aurora Electric Cooperative (AURELCO). Restoration efforts are also underway for the Santiago-Cauayan 69 kV line, which serves Isabela Electric Cooperative (ISELCO), with NGCP line crews actively working in accessible areas.

Meanwhile, restoration work is underway in areas severely impacted by Tropical Storm Nika, including those served by ISELCO I & II, Quirino Electric Cooperative (QUIRELCO), Kalinga Electric Cooperative (KAELCO), Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO), and AURELCO. The NEA, through its Task Force Kapatid program, has deployed 84 linemen, including responders from NUVELCO I, to assist ISELCO I with its restoration efforts.

Efforts are also progressing in areas affected by Tropical Cyclone Ofel, including those served by Cagayan Electric Cooperative I and II (CAGELCO I & II) and Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative (CASURECO) III, which also sustained damage from Tropical Cyclone Kristine. As of 17 November 2024, CAGELCO II has already restored over 72% of its service area, with additional support from Task Force Kapatid responders from Tarlac I Electric Cooperative (TARELCO) and Peninsula Electric Cooperative (PENELCO).

On the impact of Tropical Cyclone Pepito, a total of 39 ECs from 26 provinces and 7 regions are currently under monitoring and assessment. In Catanduanes, the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative implemented a manual shutdown, affecting 60,657 consumer connections across the province. Restoration work began on 17 November 2024, with linemen repairing downed posts and restoring disconnected lines. 

The energy sector remains fully committed to restoring power to affected areas as quickly as possible, demonstrating unwavering dedication to both serving communities and ensuring the resilience of the nation's energy infrastructure in the face of natural disasters. ###