Full power restoration in Catanduanes seen before Christmas

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Restoration works on Catanduanes’ power distribution network are expected to be completed by December 20, according to the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said lineworkers from several electric cooperatives (ECs) in Luzon and Visayas were deployed to “double down” power restoration efforts of First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ficelco) to ensure electricity services would go online in the whole province before the holiday.

“There are 25 ECs who sent warm bodies, personnel to help Ficelco in its restoration process,” said NEA administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda.

“In a couple of weeks, before Christmas, we will achieve 100 percent restoration in the whole province of Catanduanes,” the NEA chief added.

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As of December 1, Ficelco already restored power connectivity to 76 percent of its consumer base.

However, about 60,657 consumers were still suffering from power interruptions, more than two weeks after Super Typhoon Pepito hit the province.

According to the NEA, Ficelco requested at least P90.6 million to help finance the repair of distribution utilities damaged by Pepito.

Pepito’s strong winds and heavy rains triggered massive floodings in the Bicol region as well as several provinces in northern Luzon.