Restoration of Visayas power progressing

Sy-led National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported having made headway in restoring power transmission facilities in typhoon-hit Eastern Visayas, noting that it had “energized” two vital lines in Leyte and Iloilo as of Nov. 22.

“At about 8 p.m. (Friday), lights were turned on for the first time at the Ormoc City Hall in Leyte two weeks after Typhoon Yolanda badly hit the area, renewing Leyteños’ hopes for a bright Christmas as they start to rebuild their lives after the typhoon,” NGCP said.

NGCP commissioned its Ormoc-Simangan 69-kiloVolt (kV) line at 5:18 pm last Friday. This line is connected to the substation of distribution utility Leyte Electric Cooperative V (Leyeco V), which distributes electricity to Ormoc City. The transformer at NGCP’s own Ormoc Substation is also operating and ready to serve Leyeco V, according to the country’s transmission superhighway operator.

In Iloilo, NGCP also put in operation its Dingle-Natividad 69-kV line at 6:51 p.m. on Friday. This line is connected to the Iloilo Electric Cooperative III (Ileco III), which distributes power to portions of Iloilo, including Anilao, Banate, Barotac Viejo and Ajuy.

The Department of Energy said 1,959 transmission facilities were damaged, including backbone transmission lines, steel poles and a converter station, citing NGCP reports.

To speed up repairs, NGCP has been installing Emergency Restoration Systems (ERS)—a temporary transmission pole that can last up to 10 years. Permanent poles will be erected as soon as the power situation stabilizes, NGCP said.