Power back in 3 weeks

CEBU, Philippines - Residents in northern Cebu affected by typhoon Yolanda can expect electricity within three weeks and have a bright Christmas celebration.

This was the assurance issued by Cebu Electric Cooperative (Cebeco) II in a meeting called by Gov. Hilario Davide III at the Capitol yesterday.

Cebeco II resident manager Lowell Belciña said that they started the repair works of the 69KV sub-transmission lines or the backbone line wherein 33 out of 65 damaged structures were already repaired as of yesterday.

This enabled them to reenergize the service areas from Compostela up to Borbon.

Belciña said that they are trying their best to energize distribution areas within the three-week period as they also have personnel doing repair works in every locality.

The task force contingent is composed of Cebeco I, II, III; the Bohol Electric Cooperative I and the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative.

The Davao Lights, the Visayan Electric Company; the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative and the Iligan Lights are also sending their own contingents.

Support groups are composed of 500 barangay electricians from Cebeco I, II and III who will install kilowatt meters and service drop wires.

Belciña said that all sources of materials from Cebeco I and III and VECO are made available to Cebeco II’s rehabilitation requirements.

He reported that Daanbantayan has the most damage as 1,813 of its 1,832 electric poles were toppled. There are also reports of stealing of transformers and wires.

Belciña is appealing to barangay officials to help guard the broken posts with transformers in their area until these are fixed by the electricians.

Meanwhile, VECO expressed fear that as soon as other areas are reenergized, Metro Cebu will experience longer brownouts until the Leyte main source is restored.

Distributors have requested Davide to ask the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to allow them to utilize the reserves to others outside their service area.

NGCP representative Elmer Cruz assured that he will bring up the concern to higher authorities and he will give an update during their next meeting on Monday.

Meanwhile, Cebu fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon said that talks are now ongoing for the restoration of power in 13 towns and one city in the district.

Salimbangon, former general manager of the Cebeco, said that 300 linemen from Cebeco are now repairing the posts and the lines toppled by super typhoon Yolanda.

“With the help of Cebeco, VECO and Aboitiz Power, we will try nga mabalik gyud ang kuryente before Christmas,” said Salimbangon in a press conference yesterday.

One week after Yolanda wreaked havoc, the district is still in darkness.

Salimbangon also urged barangay captains in the district to ensure that power lines are not stolen.

He said some power lines were already stolen and a reward of P20,000 awaits to those who can point to those responsible. (FREEMAN)