Power transmission restored in parts of Leyte, Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines – Two vital power transmission lines in typhoon-stricken Leyte and Iloilo were restored by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) 8 pm Friday, November 22. (Read: Leyte, Samar still without power)

Lights were turned on at the Ormoc City Hall, Leyte for the first time on Friday since Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit the Philippines’ central regions two weeks ago, NGCP said in a statement. This was after the company energized its Ormoc-Simangan 69-kiloVolt (kV) line at 5:18 pm on the same day.

The power line connects to a substation of Leyte Electric Cooperative V (LEYECO V), which distributes power in Ormoc. NGCP said the transformer in its Ormoc substation is also operational.

Power in Iloilo

NGCP was also successful in restoring its Dingle-Natividad 69-kV line at 6:51 pm Friday. The power line is connected to the Iloilo Electric Cooperative III (ILECO III), which distributes power to the towns of Anilao, Banate, Barotac, Barotac Viejo and Ajuy.



NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez-Alabanza said the company is happy to have completed the restoration of the power lines weeks ahead of schedule.

“Our linemen, even those who were victims themselves, are that dedicated. We will continue to work harder to compete the rest of the work required to energize all affected areas as early as possible,” Alabanza said.

Help from China

In the meantime, NGCP shareholder and technical partner State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) pledged to send a team of experts to help restore the transmission lines in typhoon-ravaged provinces  in Visayas.

SGCC has initially donated $100,000 in financial assistance to victims of the super typhoon.

It will send a team of “high voltage direct current” and transmission line design experts to the Philippines.

NGCP President and CEO Henry Sy Jr. expressed his gratitude for SGCC’s assistance in fast-tracking repair of affected power facilities.

“With around 1,400 line personnel already deployed in the Visayas, NGCP is going all out, in terms of resources and manpower. With SGCC’s full support, the direction of the DOE, and the cooperation of the National Electrification Administration and other agencies involved, and the hard work and determination of our line crews, we are confident that we will be able to fulfill this commitment to bring back power soon to the Visayas,“ he said.

Sy said this will help the Department of Energy meet its deadline of restoring power by December 24. (Read: Petilla: I’ll resign if no power by Christmas) – Rappler.com