DOE Statement on the Reported Power Interruptions During the 2022 NLE

The Department of Energy (DOE) would like to assure the public that there is sufficient power supply and all transmission facilities are currently operating normally. 

"We continue to work closely with the rest of the Energy family in monitoring and addressing energy concerns," DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said. 

Based on the real-time updates we have been receiving, areas that have experienced sudden brown outs are at the local level. 

"We at the DOE immediately spoke with the focal persons of the concerned distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) who immediately addressed the situation," Secretary Cusi stated. 

As of writing, ETFE data indicate that of the 111 ECs that submitted status reports, 61 ECs experienced 201 interruptions. 

Meanwhile, five DUs experienced a total of seven interruptions.

Except for local and isolated cases, the duration of most interruptions were brief, as they were urgently acted upon by the ECs and DUs.

The ETFE also reported that the power disturbances were not caused by supply issues, but were due to factors such as system failure.

Please see Table 1 for the breakdown of power interruption causes in the ECs.

The Energy Secretary added, "We would also like to inform everyone that in the event of a loss of power in a precinct, the batteries of the vote counting machines are able to last for 10 to 12 hours. This battery span ensures that the counting of votes remain uninterrupted while the DUs and ECs do their restoration work."

Previously, the DOE has also issued an advisory on 30 March 2022, calling on the energy family members, particularly our DUs and ECs, to undertake all necessary preparations that would help prevent power loss in voting precincts on election day. 

According to the Energy chief, "while power interruptions take place on a daily basis, their occurrence is currently more pronounced due to the on-going elections". 

He also thanked the ETFE for their tireless efforts, and for being on top of the situation.

"The Energy family is working round-the-clock to protect the Filipino vote by preventing the occurrence of power interruptions, and ensuring that all energy-related incidents are addressed right away," Secretary Cusi concluded. 

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