DOE eyes 100% power restoration in Catanduanes before Christmas

MANILA, Philippines — Power supply in Catanduanes may be fully restored before Christmas after the island province was ravaged by Super Typhoon Rolly, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Thursday.

“We are attempting (to fully restore electricity in Catanduanes), under the order of (Energy) Sec. (Alfonso) Cusi, before Christmas,” Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said partly in Filipino in a televised press briefing.

But presidential spokesperson Harry Roque pointed out that the timeline is for 100% power restoration and does not mean a blackout in the entire province for two months.

“That is for the 100% restoration. This does not mean that there will be no partial restoration of electricity. Do not worry. This is not to say that you will not have electricity for two months. It will be restored gradually,” Roque said in Filipino.

According to Catanduanes Governor Joseph Cua, 90% of electric posts in the province were toppled by  Rolly, the world’s strongest storm this year, when it slammed into the Bicol region on Sunday.

Fuentebella said some 500 linemen will be sent to the Bicol region to help restore power in the affected areas.

He added that the DOE is also eyeing to restore power in Virac, the capital of Catanduanes, and other vital installations, in one to two weeks.

“The key here is to purchase right now the equipment and facilities,” the DOE official said.

READ: Catanduanes, Albay bear brunt of Super Typhoon Rolly

/MUF