Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi immediately convened the Inter-Agency Task Force on Securing Energy Facilities (IATSEF) to coordinate the restoration of the power services in affected areas in Mindanao. This was done following the attack on Transmission Tower 106 along Kibawe and Sultan Kudarat by suspected terrorists at around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 3.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), a member of the IATSEF, was able to tap an alternative power transmission line to temporarily supply the needed electricity. After the bombing of Tower 106, power was temporarily sourced from an alternative route through the Tacurong 69kV line. Because of this, the voltage was being maintained at 45MW due to load limitation.
The NGCP also reported that a rotating load curtailment is being implemented in the franchise areas of Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, Cotabato Electric Cooperative and Palma & Cotelco Light & Power to maintain the delivery of power services in the affected areas.
To improve the delivery of electricity service further, a bypass line is being constructed through an excavation for anchors and the setting up of two sets of Emergency Restoration System from the Baloi Substation. As per NGCP, the completion of the other significant restoration works may take two more days.
Cusi reminded the IATSEF to ensure the safety of the personnel performing the restoration works and asked law enforcers to investigate and arrest the bombers.
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