Power restoration in Cebu marred by heavy damage to facilities

The restoration of the supply of power in a large portion of Cebu has been marred by the heavy damage sustained by distribution facilities during the onslaught of Typhoon Odette, according to the Visayan Electric Co. (Veco).

"As of 7:00pm today (Tuesday), Visayan Electric was able to energize 2,383 out of the 474,182 affected customers, and restored 64 or 11.76% out of the 544 power line segments, within its franchise area," the company said in a statement.

The power utility company serves the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay and Naga as well as the towns of Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanilla and San Fernando.

Last Friday, Veco announced that the power supply in 95% of their franchise area was interrupted due to strong winds.

In a statement posted on Tuesday, Veco said, "Our linemen from Visayan Electric, together with the engineers and crews from various distribution utilities from all over the country, have been working round the clock to clear lines and restore power at the soonest and safest time."

Other power utility companies have sent personnel to extend assistance to the linemen of Veco.

"A total of 15 linemen from Visayan Electric sister companies, Cotabato Light and Power Company  and Subic EnerZone Corporation , and 33 linemen from other distribution utilities - Cagayan Electric Power & Light Co., Inc. - Cepalco and Meralco, have arrived to help boost power restoration efforts in the franchise area." -- BAP, GMA News