NEA: Power in 74.31% of Rolly-hit households restored

Electricity in millions of households affected by Super Typhoon Rolly is gradually being restored with almost a third of power consumers re-energized, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) said Wednesday.

Citing a report from its Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Division (DRRM), the NEA said that as of 6:00 a.m., November 11, electric cooperatives (ECs) have already restored services to 74.31% or 1,554,492 consumers of the 2.1 million affected households in the Bicol Region and other areas.

“The initial cost of damage to power facilities is currently estimated at P404.969 million,” the agency said.

It noted that there are 537,304 households still without power.

“In Catanduanes alone, around 57,218 households spread over the 11 municipalities under the franchise area of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) remain without electricity and for restoration,” it said.

“In Camarines Sur, the Camarines Sur I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO I) has partially restored the municipalities of Libmanan, Sipocot, Lupi, Ragay, Pamplona, Pasacao, and San Fernando,” the NEA said.

The electrification authority added that the Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO II) has also partially restored power lines in Naga City and the municipalities of Pili, Milaor and Minalabac; while the remaining six towns are currently undergoing restoration.

The Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative Inc. (CASURECO III) also reported partial restoration of service in the municipalities of Bula and Baao, while Iriga City and other areas within its franchise are still for restoration.

Meanwhile, power supply in the municipalities of Ocampo, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Sagnay, San Jose, and Tigaon covered by the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO IV) is partially restored.

In Albay, the Albay Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ALECO/APEC) also reported partial restoration of electricity in Legazpi City and the towns of Daraga, Rapu-Rapu, and Santo Domingo; while the remaining 14 cities/municipalities are currently undergoing restoration, according to the NEA.

For Sorsogon, all areas under the franchise area of Sorsogon I Electric Cooperative (SORECO I) have their electricity returned, while Sorsogon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SORECO II) has reconnected 97.32% or 91,820 households. 

“Power has also been completely restored in all 12 municipalities of Camarines Norte covered by the Camarines Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CANORECO), as well as in the province of Masbate, including Ticao Island,” the NEA said.

In Quezon, the Quezon I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (QUEZELCO I) said 81.06% of affected consumers now have power. For Batangas, the Batangas II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BATELEC II) has reached 99.42% restoration level. 

In Marinduque, the Marinduque Electric Cooperative, Inc. (MARELCO) has restored service to 73.10% of households.

Meanwhile, restoration at the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NORSAMELCO) is already complete, the NEA said. -MDM, GMA News