DOE updates disaster mitigation measures

MANILA, Philippines – Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi is updating standard operating procedures (SOPs) and emergency responses to lessen the impact of calamities on energy infrastructures.

The Department of Energy chief said disaster risk reduction is a priority, along with immediate restoration of power during outages caused by natural calamities.

But the best practices in disaster risk reduction being employed by various government agencies, including the DOE, is being continuously overhauled, tweaked or upgraded to be more responsive in addressing today’s challenges.

“On the part of the DOE, we are reviewing the protocols to be followed by energy sector players, especially the measures on climate change adaptation,” Cusi said.

“We are constantly on the lookout for better systems and technologies, as well as SOPs and protocols in undertaking repair and rehabilitation of damaged lines and energy facilities,” he said.

The DOE official said the agency has been strictly following the measures set forth by the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (R.A. 10121) as implemented by the National Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Council.

On Thursday, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian slammed the DOE for not having protocol in disaster mitigation in place to help electric cooperatives prepare for and recover from typhoons and other natural disasters which cause prolonged power outages in affected service areas.

Cusi said one measure employed by the DOE is “Task Force Kapatid” through the supervision of the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

The task force facilitates the repair and rehabilitation of lines and the restoration of electric service during disasters in coordination with the NDRRMC.

The government, through NEA, has also extended P2.434 billion loans to 56 electric cooperatives (ECs in 2016 to finance their rural electrification projects through its various loan windows.

This is more than the P1.7-billion target set by government for the year.

Part of disbursements include P603 million in calamity loans availed of by 15 ECs for the rehabilitation of their distribution lines due to typhoons Lawin, Ferdie, Karen, Yolanda, Lando and Nona.

“Our priority is to ensure that people in the typhoon-affected areas be served with electricity on schedule. The DOE, in coordination with NEA, has organized and mobilized personnel to rehabilitate distribution lines and fast track power restoration through the Task Force Kapatid operations to work double-time, especially in hard-hit areas,” said Cusi, who also sits as the chairman of the NEA Board.