NEA expects full power restoration in quake-hit areas by Wednesday

MANILA – Full restoration of power in earthquake-hit areas in Mindanao is expected by Wednesday as efforts continue to safely restore electricity and transmission services, according to the head of the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

In an online briefing hosted by the Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda said that as of 1 p.m., 15 of the 23 substations in areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani province and nearby areas had been energized.

As a result, 41 of the 68 feeders — or primary power lines that transmit electricity from substations to towns and villages — have also been energized, he said.

This restored electricity to around 201,654 households out of approximately 338,746 households in the affected areas.

“Now, based on the deployment plan and the restoration plan, the whole sub-transmission or distribution infrastructure can be energized 100 percent at least, at the latest, for another day,” Almeda said.

He, however, clarified that while distribution capacity may be restored, challenges remain with transmission lines, underscoring the need for close coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.

He also noted that priority is being given to critical infrastructure, such as hospitals.

He said electricity has been restored in 12 of the 24 hospitals in the affected areas, while efforts are underway to restore power to the remaining facilities within 48 hours.

“The only thing left is the hospital in Glan (in Sarangani) because the bridge there collapsed, that’s why materials are being transported manually,” he said.

Fuel supply

DOE Director Rino Abad, during the same briefing, said the department continues to monitor fuel supply in quake-affected areas, including the Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Caraga and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

He said there are 23 import terminals, 10 distribution depots, 29 liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) refilling plants and 5,294 fuel stations in these areas.

As of 11 a.m. Tuesday, 48 facilities were non-operational, including 47 fuel stations and one import terminal in Barangay Tambler, General Santos City.

The facility, operated by Seaoil, sustained minor damage, he said.

Abad said Seaoil officials expect the terminal to resume operations by Thursday, with measures being undertaken to ensure safety and prevent fire incidents. — Joann Villanueva (PNA)