Manila: The National Electrification Administration (NEA) on Tuesday announced that 1.6 million households have regained electricity services after Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami, disrupted energy infrastructure.
According to Philippines News Agency, NEA Administrator Antonio Almeda revealed in an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon that 2.1 million connections across 12 regions were affected by the typhoon last week. Electric cooperatives have been working diligently to restore power services in these areas. Almeda mentioned that only 500,000 household connections still await restoration.
Almeda highlighted the collaboration between NEA and its member electric cooperatives with the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperative Association (Philreca) to expedite power restoration in regions impacted by the storm. Restoration efforts are ongoing in specific areas, including those under the jurisdiction of Pangasinan I Electric Cooperative, Batangas I Electric Cooperative, Albay Ele
ctric Cooperative, and Camarines Sur’s Casureco II and III.
Pangasinan has re-energized 168 of 192 barangays, Batangas has energized 76.2% of its connections, and Naga sees 76% of household connections restored. However, seven barangays in Naga remain flooded. Casureco III in Iriga reports an energization rate of 54%, and Albay has achieved 62% re-energization, with assistance from the Task Force Kapatiran expected to accelerate full restoration.
NEA has prioritized critical services, ensuring hospitals, evacuation centers, and key ports are powered. First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative has achieved a 92% re-energization rate, while Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative areas are fully operational.
Almeda noted that the preliminary assessment of damages in affected areas amounts to approximately PHP50 million, with further evaluations to follow the completion of restoration efforts.