Power outage in Uwan-hit areas may last for a month — DOE

The Department of Energy (DOE) said on Tuesday it may take about a month to fully restore electricity in areas devastated by Super Typhoon Uwan, after strong winds and heavy rainfall toppled several power lines.

According to Bernadette Reyes’s Tuesday report on 24 Oras, 17 million people, or 3.4 million families, remain without power due to Uwan.

This includes customers of the Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative and Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative 1, 3, and 4.

“Alam ko po medyo matagal yan pero malaki rin yung damage. Have patience lang sana,” DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said.

(I know power restoration may take some time, but the damage is extensive. I’m asking everyone for patience.)

The DOE said it is prioritizing the restoration of electricity to hospitals, evacuation centers, water distribution facilities, and command centers.

It is also considering deploying linemen from Mindanao and using other power plants in the region.

According to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), more than 10 transmission lines in Luzon and Visayas remain non-operational following Super Typhoon Uwan’s onslaught.

Nine power plants are still reportedly undergoing restoration.

Meanwhile, Meralco’s electricity rates will increase by 15 centavos per kilowatt-hour in November, translating to an additional ?30 for households consuming 200 kilowatt-hours and an extra ?76 for those consuming 500 kilowatt-hours.—Mariel Celine Serquiña/MCG, GMA Integrated News