By Kris Crismundo/PNA
MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday assured the public that it is closely monitoring the power situation in communities that are likely to be affected by Tropical Depression Samuel.
In a statement, the DOE said its Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) has been on activated status since Sunday.
It added that the TFER has put on alert all members monitoring the energy supply in areas within the projected path of “Samuel”.
In its latest weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said 28 areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have been placed under Signal No. 1.
These areas include Masbate including Ticao Island, Romblon, southern Oriental Mindoro, southern Occidental Mindoro, and Northern Palawan including Cuyo Island and Calamian Group of Islands in Luzon; Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and Antique in Visayas; Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, and Camiguin in Mindanao.
On the other hand, DOE’s Energy Command Center serves as the focal point for all resiliency monitoring and coordination activities.
“All hands are on deck as Samuel entered our area of responsibility. It has been our usual practice to prepare and coordinate with the energy family as we seek to secure the continuous supply of energy in the face of disasters,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
The DOE said it is also coordinating with the National Electrification Agency (NEA) to reach out to electric cooperatives and submit reports on their resiliency initiatives; the National Power Corp. on monitoring and preparation of its dams and related facilities; and National Grid Corp. of the Philippines for preparations on distribution lines.
