Manila: Full restoration of power in areas affected by Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) is targeted within a month, with priority given to critical infrastructure such as hospitals, command centers, banks, and grocery stores. Around 3.4 million households are currently without power, highlighting the storm’s severe impact, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin stated in an online briefing.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garin identified the hardest-hit areas as the Mountain Province, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur. Restoration efforts commenced even before Uwan exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Tuesday. A significant portion of Luzon and parts of the Visayas experienced the typhoon’s effects. Garin assured the public that efforts to expedite power restoration are in full swing, following the President’s directive, with support from various agencies, private utilities, and electric cooperatives working round the clock.
Data from the Department of Energy indicated that power supply in all grids remains sufficient despite 29 power plants being affected, with nine scheduled for restoration by the end of the day. For off-grid power, the National Power Corporation Small Power Utility Group reported that 17 diesel power plants are operating normally, while 40 are on standby with total power interruptions, and 16 with partial interruptions. Two 69kV lines are undergoing assessment, one is functioning normally, and two diesel power plants are being restored after sustaining damages.
Transmission lines were significantly impacted, with 108 affected, but 83 have been restored. Full restoration is expected by November 20. The affected lines service several electric cooperatives, including NUVELCO, IFELCO, MOPRECO, BENECO, and others in the region. The National Electrification Administration and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines are considering island-mode operations for the Bicol Region to enhance power stability, though details are still being finalized.
Meanwhile, in the same briefing, DOE Oil Industry Management Bureau Director Rino Abad announced that oil firms have agreed to implement a price freeze on gasoline and diesel in several areas. This decision follows a meeting with DOE officials and aligns with Malacanang’s declaration of a national state of calamity. The price freeze, effective from November 7 to 21, covers kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders of 11 kg and below.
The affected areas and participating oil firms include Jetti Petroleum, Shell Pilipinas Corp., Seaoil, Petron Corp., Caltex Philippines, Petro Gaza, Phoenix Petroleum, and Flying V, across regions such as Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Bicol Region, and several provinces in Luzon and the Visayas.
