Power restoration in typhoon-hit Albay may take 2 months

LOW POSTS. Aftermath of Typhoon “Rolly” in Bacacay town, Albay province, Electrical poles are destroyed which causes to close the roads. Photos taken on November 2, 2020, Monday. MARK ALVIC ESPLANA / INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON.

LEGAZPI CITY — With the severe damage in the primary lines and facilities after Super Typhoon “Rolly” (international name: Goni) pounded Albay province, the restoration of power could take up to two months, Albay Power and Energy Corporation (Apec) said.

Lesley Capus, head of corporate communication of Apec, said Rolly further aggravated the damage caused by Typhoon Quinta (Molave) last October 25.

At least 77 percent of the electric poles in the entire province were severely damaged.

He said some parts of the second district of the province might be energized earlier since the damage were not as severe as the two other districts.

“It will also depend on the availability of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Daraga 69 kV Transmission Lines. We need to ensure our lines and facilities are repaired and safe,” he said.

The assessment team were unable to check the impact in some towns due to impassable roads.

Capus said they coordinated with some local service contractors to help them in the line clearing, repairs and other troubleshooting concerns.

Ten augmentation teams from other electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in the country will also help restore power supply in the province, Capus said.

They are also appealing to the communities to help them in clearing the utility poles with debris and trunks of trees felled by the typhoon.

EDV