Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday assured that the overall power supply in the country remains sufficient despite the impacts of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, internationally known as Bualoi. The storm has caused significant disruptions in various regions, particularly in the Bicol region, but measures are being taken to ensure minimal impact on electricity supply.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOE reported that Units 1-3 of the BacMan Geothermal Power Plant located in Sorsogon and Albay, which have a combined dependable capacity of 133 MW, and the 28-MW Palayan Binary Plant in Albay have been preemptively shut down due to the storm. However, all other on-grid plants remain operational. In off-grid areas, several diesel-powered plants under the National Power Corporation's Small Power Utilities Group are on standby or partially energized because of storm damage. Restoration teams, including the NPC Task Force, have been deployed to expedite the recovery process, particularly in affected mini-grids on Camiguin Island and Cagayan.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that while one transmission line, the Amlan-Siaton 69kV Line, has been restored, five others remain down. These include lines serving Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Antique, and Aklan. The DOE is closely monitoring 87 electric cooperatives across 52 provinces, with 16 experiencing partial interruptions and six under total power interruption, mainly in Bicol, Eastern Visayas, and Mimaropa. Task Force Kapatid contingents from neighboring cooperatives are aiding ongoing restoration efforts.
Fuel supply across the country remains stable, though 10 gasoline stations have temporarily closed due to the storm. An electric vehicle charging station in San Juan, La Union, is also offline. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin emphasized the priority of safety and resilience, stating that the Task Force on Energy Resiliency is working tirelessly to ensure full restoration once conditions improve.
In the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) franchise area, around 62,000 customers in Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, and Metro Manila experienced power disruptions, but this number was reduced to approximately 18,000 by 4 p.m. Meralco's vice president Joe Zaldarriaga assured that restoration efforts are ongoing with teams working non-stop.
PLDT and Smart Communications Inc. have also increased disaster response coordination with local governments and disaster management offices. Roby Alampay, head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart, stated that they are collaborating with Alagang Kapatid Foundation, Inc. to provide aid and communication support in affected areas. Teams remain ready to address disruptions and assist customers, urging the public to prioritize safety and heed local warnings.
