Due to uncertainty of power supply: Emergency lights for poll workers

CEBU, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has urged those who will be working during the elections to be armed with flashlights or other similar devices as there is no assurance of stable power supply by October 25.

The Visayan Electric Company (VECO), whose franchise area covers the entire Metro Cebu, could not assure that there would be no power interruption on the day of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

Comelec, Veco and other power distributors in Cebu, the Philippine National Police and the Department of Energy held an emergency meeting yesterday to discuss ways to address the looming power interruption during the elections.

Veco did not guarantee a 100 percent operation due to the probability of incidents that could damage distribution lines or an unexpected bogging down of a power plant.

But they are not saying that these things are sure to happen, said Ethel Natera, Veco's Corporate Communications Manager.

They are just not closing themselves to the possibilities that incidents beyond their control may occur that is why they are doing their own preparations similar to last elections where they were able to ensure uninterrupted power.

Comelec-7 Acting Regional Director Veronico Petalcorin said that he will instruct all barangays and board of canvassers and watchers, to bring emergency lamps, or best, a generator in case of brownout.

This year's barangay elections would not any way need too much power as it will be done manually unlike last May's automated elections.

Basically, polling precincts will only need lights, fans, speakers and might include computers and other similar devices.

Petalcorin said that he was advised by DOE-7 Director Antonio Labios that Visayas has no power reserve so if a plant bogs down, there would be power outages in Cebu.

Labios however was optimistic that the resumption of operation next week of two power plants that underwent preventive maintenance will minimize the chance of interruption.

Natera also said that since October 25 is a non-working holiday, they might be able to drop some 50 megawatts from industries that will not operate on that day.

Natera said that during normal days, they just need to have at least 370 megawatts to ensure that there is no power interruption.

This load is the highest demand from consumers during peak hours.

Veco already asked the Comelec to give them the list of all polling precincts, which would be inspected to make sure that distribution lines and transformers are in good condition.

Natera said that they have done this during the May elections, but they want to double check everything. There will also be technical crew deployed in strategic areas to stand by for any eventualities.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director, Sr. Supt. Erson Digal said that two police officers will be assign for every precinct. - with Aldwin Gevera and Maluna Sanguenza, USJ-R Masscom Interns/NLQ (FREEMAN)