TAGUIG CITY - In the aftermath of Typhoon Kiko, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi ordered the National Power Corporation-Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) utilize available manpower and other resources for the immediate power restoration for Batanes. 

“With the assessment reports on the damage of the typhoon coming in, we need to act with dispatch and restore normalcy to the lives of the people of Batanes,” Sec. Cusi stressed. 

As of this writing, the NPC-SPUG is synchronizing and restoring the  operations of its generators for the islands of Basco, Itbayat and Sabtang while BATANELCO’s linemen are inspecting and clearing the power lines. In the meantime, the NEA is coordinating with Philreca for the mobilization of Task Force Kapatid in order to augment the manpower and resource requirements of BATANELCO. 

Initial coordination with the local officials of Batanes are ongoing in order to ensure the adherence of the restoration teams from NPC and NEA to the established health protocols in the area. 

“It goes without saying that all our efforts have to be in accordance with the established health protocols of the national and local authorities. Thus, we have to be creative in providing the best solution for the restoration of power for Batanes,” Sec. Cusi reminded the restoration teams of the energy family. 

SITUATION REPORT #4 re: Effects of TYPHOON “KIKO” (CHANTU)
13 September 2021, 3:00 PM

A. Power Generation

NPC Small Power Utility Group (SPUG)

• As of 3:00 PM on 13 September 2021, NPC reported the following status of SPUG facilities in Batanes:

 Basco DPP – Plant shutdown at 0729H, 11 September 2021 due to heavy rain and strong wind; facility has damaged switchyard and overall damage is still being assessed. The estimated damage cost is PHP2.5 million.

 Itbayat DPP – Plant Shutdown at 0810H, 11 September 2021 due to heavy rain and strong wind. No established communication as of 1000H, 11 September 2021. As of 13 September 2021, Plant is ready for operation. Ongoing line inspection and clearing by Coop.

 Sabtang DPP – Plant shutdown at 0616H, 11 September 2021 due to line fault; Restored on 1928H, 12 September 2021. Energized area is at 50% of service areas. Damage incurred on the Plant gate and power house while details of estimated damage cost is still being coordinated.

B. Electric Cooperatives

National Electrification Administration (NEA)

• Based on NEA’s Power Monitoring Report as of 1500H on 13 September 2021, all Electric Cooperatives (ECs) in the affected areas are under NORMAL OPERATION in Regions I, II, III and CAR except for BATANELCO which experienced total power interruption.

BATANELCO

 Batan island – total power interruption; ongoing assessment of underground lines (main line); overhead poles located in the lateral areas incurred light to moderate damages. NPC’s Batan Diesel Power Plant providing supply also with damaged switchyard.

 Itbayat island – total power interruption; ongoing assessment.

 Sabtang island – As of 13 September 2021, BATANELCO energized 2 out of 6 barangays in the island.  

•  Based on the coordination of NEA with PHILRECA on the mobilization of the Task Force Kapatid for the assistance in the immediate power restoration in BATANELCO, they have initially determined the teams for deployment composed of heavy construction and service dropping with a total of 27 personnel. The Task Force manpower will be pulled from the Region II ECs. The target deployment of the Task Force is on September 20. Lateral coordination with the Provincial government of Batanes and OCD Disaster Risk and Reduction Management in Region II shall be conducted for the logistical and health & safety requirements for the deployment of the Task Force.

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