DOE, NGCP, Meralco brace for Christmas storm ‘Nina’

DOE Sec. Alfonso Cusi LYN RILLON/Philippine Daily Inquirer

The Department of Energy, along with other power sector stakeholders, has mobilized their resources to help minimize the disruption of the country’s electricity supply by Tropical Storm Nina, which is forecast to make landfall over the Bicol Region this Christmas weekend.

In a press statement, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said he has directed energy industry players and government agencies to prepare and closely monitor the entry of Nina to ensure minimal impact to energy facilities for people to enjoy continuous energy supply during the holidays.

According to the weather bureau Pagasa, Nina is expected to make landfall over the Bicol Region, or nearby Samar, between Dec. 24 and 25.

“I asked the energy family, specifically the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA), to prepare necessary pre-cautionary measures, especially for the speedy restoration and recovery if the storm will affect the power facilities,” Cusi said.

Both the NGCP and the Manila Electric Co. indicated they have put their units on standby to respond to potential damage to the transmission system that the weather disturbance may cause.

“Even during holidays, Task Force Kapatid will be readied for easy mobilization of assets,” Cusi added, referring to the ad hoc unit tasked with mitigating the impact of natural calamities on the country’s power system.

In particular, the DOE alerted the concerned electric cooperatives specifically those within the projected track of the storm of their contingency measures and to closely coordinate with concerned government agencies and local government units.

As to petroleum products, Cusi asked the oil companies to ensure prescribed inventory of fuels, especially to those communities that depend on gasoline and diesel for their daily activities, to protect oil consumers from hampered services.

The energy chief also reminded the public to immediately report to authorities any incidents affecting the power supply facilities, and to exercise emergency and safety measures like charging flashlights and mobile phones; staying informed about the latest news developments; switching off circuit breakers and other electrical systems to avoid electrocution and other electrical mishaps; and checking electrical systems after the storm to avoid short circuits.

“We should not downplay the possible impacts of Nina,” Cusi said. “We have to consistently prepare and ensure that the generation, transmission, distribution and oil facilities are all operational before, during and even after the storm.”/rga