RDC: Inter-connect CV provinces request meant as long-term solution to power problems after typhoon Yolanda

CEBU, Philippines - The Regional Development Council (RDC)-7 has endorsed to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) the proposed Cebu-Bohol and Cebu-or Negros Oriental-Siquijor connections through submarine cable to promote power stability in Central Visayas.

This is the long term recommendation the RDC ad hoc committee on power restoration identified to address the shortage of power supply due to damage caused by super typhoon Yolanda on power structures and facilities.

The ad hoc committee was created during the joint meeting of the RDC Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC) and the Power Subcommittee last month to recommend measures to solve the problem.

The body was composed of the National Economic Development Authority 7 as head, with the Department of Energy Visayas Field Office, East Asia Utilities Corporation (power generator), NGCP (transmission lines), Mactan Electric Company or Meco (distribution utility), and private sector representatives from the IDC and one representative from the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry as members.

The RDC 7 made its endorsement during its full council meeting last Friday.

Full restoration of power in the Visayas mainly depends on how soon repairs of the Leyte geothermal power plants and of the main transmission lines could be completed.

Until such time, the NGCP has manifested that as a stop-gap measure to protect the integrity of the transmission system, distribution utilities like Meco would have to contend with power interruption, especially during peak hours.

Although Yolanda did not seriously damage power transmission and distribution facilities in Central Visayas, filling the supply gap left by the inability of the Leyte power plants to feed about P180 megawatts the Cebu-Negros-Panay Grid has been a major concern.

The RDC 7 also encouraged independent power producers to invest in Bohol and in Siquijor. (FREEMAN)