DOE: Electric coops sustain P5.18 million in damage from North Luzon quake

Electric cooperatives (ECs) sustained more than P5 million worth of damage to their facilities due to the magnitude 7 earthquake that jolted Northern Luzon on July 27, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Saturday.

Citing a report from the National Electrification Administration (NEA), the DOE said the total estimated damage cost to ECs amounted to P5,184,141.50, broken down as follows:

• ISECO: P637,725.19
• ABRECO: P4,000,000.00
• BENECO: PHP 348,818.31
• MOPRECO: P197,598.00

The DOE also said that a total of 33 ECs in Regions I, II, CAR, III, IV-A, and V felt the Abra magnitude 7 earthquake, though at different intensities.

“Out of the 33 ECs, 11 had power interruptions but managed to restore their power services within 24 hours, while the rest of the ECs are in normal operations,” it said.

The DOE said ABRECO had energized 100% of the 27 municipalities and 303 barangays it services.

“However, there are 78 out of the 61,609 household connections that remain for restoration. The targeted completion date of restoration is on 31 July 2022,” it said.

Meanwhile, all power generation plants in Luzon are under normal operations, according to the DOE.

Citing the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Energy Department said there was a sufficient level of supply and reserves in the Luzon grid.

The Luzon power situation was thus:

• Capacity: 12,317 MW
• Demand: 10,188 MW
• Regulating Reserve: 382 MW
• Net Operating Margin: 1,747 MW

Likewise, transmission facilities affected by the earthquake were operating normally.

The DOE said that no reported oil supply shortage was received as of Saturday. — DVM, GMA News