Manila: An official of the Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday called on the public to report toppled power lines and heed safety advisories, especially during this rainy season, when power restoration faces greater challenges.

According to Philippines News Agency, Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, who is the concurrent chair of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency, highlighted in a press release that flooding is a recurring issue during the wet season. He noted that several areas in Bulacan and Pangasinan were left without power for several days following a recent series of typhoons.

Fuentebella stressed that restoring electricity after a typhoon involves more than just repairing broken lines, as linemen from various distribution utilities across the country face challenges when areas are submerged in water. Flooding not only blocks access roads and submerges electrical equipment but also poses life-threatening hazards to crews and the public. As such, the DOE prioritizes safety over rushing power restoration, to prevent risks of electrocution, equipment failure, or further damage.

Fuentebella also emphasized the importance of addressing this issue for both immediate recovery and long-term resilience, aligning with the President’s views. The DOE remains committed to collaborating with power utilities, local governments, and national agencies to enhance readiness and ensure power is restored safely and promptly.