Tropical Cyclone (TC) “Odette” has affected a total of 74 Electric Cooperatives (ECs) across the country. As of 26 January 2022, 782 municipalities have been fully restored while 128 are partially restored, and 28 municipalities has just commenced restoration work.
This crucial task would not have rolled out without the initiatives and support of ECs, government agencies, and energy stakeholder organizations. In implementing the Task Force Kapatid (TFK), ECs extended resources to other ECs that need restoration aid. This time-tested cooperation initiative was launched by the late former NEA Administrator Fr. Francisco Silva. It positions the default protocol of ECs to assist each other during and after natural and man-made calamities.
NEA has organized its engineers, corresponding support team to lead the restoration on site, and the task forces to aid them. NEA recognizes the continuing support and monitoring through the Task Force on Energy Resiliency led by the Department of Energy (DOE) and composed of distribution utilities, generation companies and energy attached agencies such as the National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Philippine National Oil Company, and the Department of Transportation. It is noteworthy to mention that MERALCO, MORE Power and the Energy Development Corporation have worked in solidarity with the NEA-EC Task Force Kapatid in this endeavor.
NEA appreciates the initial efforts of the national, regional association of electric cooperatives and private investment-owned distribution utilities in the TFK deployment to areas severely affected by TC “Odette”.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime Industry Authority provided the transport and logistical support in easing the hurdles for restoration deployments, and transport of personnel, equipment and materials. The Department of Public Works and Highways was outstanding in clearing the roadways of obstructions for safe access and passage of the TFK, equipment and materials.
As the final phase of power restoration is progressing, the NEA-EC TFK is pushing to the limit the restoration of power to every household in the TC “Odette”. ##
