Guimaras loses main supply of power in mishap

ILOILO CITY—A wayward ship anchor damaged a submarine cable that carries electricity to Guimaras, bringing rotating brownouts to residents of the island province.

Lt. Cmdr Dominador Senador III, head of the Coast Guard station in Iloilo province, said the anchor of cargo vessel MV Ocean Prosperity could have drifted or was dragged by the ship as it tried to make a brief stop in waters between Guimaras and Iloilo.

The damage to the submarine cable cut off power being supplied by  Guimaras Electric Cooperative Inc., forcing the power utility to implement rotating brownouts.

The Coast Guard has grounded the vessel and is investigating the case.

The power firm Green Core Geothermal Inc. supplies almost all of the province’s electricity requirements, which reach 5 megawatts during peak hours, through the submarine cable.

Two diesel plants owned by the firms Trans Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. provide backup supply during peak hours from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. They, however, could supply only 2.7 MW.

Areas where power was restored quickly include the provincial capital of Jordan and four towns, according to Teresita Siason, executive officer of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office.