MANILA – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi on Friday assured the public that the energy family is on top of the situation amid the anticipated onslaught of Typhoon Ompong to ensure safe and secure energy.
“The entire energy family is closely monitoring Typhoon Ompong. The men and women of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), National Power Corp. (NPC), National Electrification Administration, our electric cooperatives, and private energy companies are prepared and ready to respond,” he said.
Based on the consolidated report of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency, NPC monitors the operations of hydroelectric dams, particularly its water levels to ensure safe and efficient operations.
As of the 12 noon report, Ambuklao and Binga Dams in Benguet are already conducting water spills following water levels at 751.02 meters above sea level (masl) and 573.85 masl, respectively. The discharges are made to maintain normal water level in the reservoir.
San Roque Dam gates are still closed at 2 p.m. with water level at 274.26 masl and Angat Dam at 206.40 masl.
For the transmission system, NGCP reported that affected lines are Palanas Cara – Catarman – Allen – Lao – Ang 69kiloVolt (kV) Line affecting the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORSAMELCO).
The NGCP mobilized line crews and are currently conducting aerial and ground patrols to assess the impact of the southwest monsoon to expedite restoration of affected facilities.
The Paranas–Quinapondan 69 kV affecting Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ESAMELCO) was restored 8:54 a.m. just two hours after it went off.
On the distribution side, NEA reported that power in affected electric cooperatives in Samar provinces have been restored before noon time Friday. These are NORSAMELCO, ESAMELCO and Samar I and II Electric Cooperatives, Inc.
In case a state of calamity is declared, the DOE reminded all oil companies that price freeze on liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene products will take effect for 15 days after the announcement. (DOE PR/PNA)
