Power restored in most of Bicol

It is during moments like these when the beauty of the Filipino spirit shines the brightest

Despite the challenges from the typhoon and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, most of the power services in Camarines Sur have been restored eliciting praises from Department of Energy (DoE) Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Upon the instruction of Cusi, DoE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella continues to assess power restoration activities in the Bicol region which was severely hit by a string of typhoons in November.

The DoE chief commended the electric cooperatives for their hard work and determination to bring back electricity services in the region.

“It is during moments like these when the beauty of the Filipino spirit shines the brightest. We thank all the men and women of the Camarines Sur cooperatives for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of their consumers. Dios mabalos,” Cusi said.

In his visit to the Camarines Sur 1 Electric Cooperative (CASURECO I), Fuentebella highlighted the importance of prepositioning not only the assessors, but also the buffer stocks needed to immediately restore power.

Power needed for normalcy

CASURECO 1 general manager (GM) Ana Alsisto reported that household restoration stood at 86.13 percent. Challenged by the flooding brought by typhoon “Ulysses,” CASURECO is now bringing back power to coastal and mountainous areas, specifically Lupi, Sipocot and Pasacao.

Meanwhile, in areas served by the Camarines Sur 3 Electric Cooperative ( CASURECO 3), restoration stands at 70 percent due to flooding and limited access to mountainous areas.

According to CASURECO 3 acting general manager Willy Bucsit, power restoration has been relatively fast compared to their previous experiences.

Fuentebella highlighted the importance of immediately returning power services to normalcy to ease the burden of member consumers.

He also mentioned CASURECO 3 is already on the right track after achieving AA rating on the National Electrification Adminisgtration’s (NEA) performance indicators.

97% restoration for CASURECO 4

To complete the assessment of Camarines Sur cooperatives, Fuentebella visited the Camarines Sur 4 Electric Cooperative (CASURECO 4).

In his presentation, CASURECO 4 general manager Renato San Jose said restoration in its franchise area is already at 97 percent. He also reported that in addition to the assistance from the NEA’s Task Force Kapatid, barangay electricians were likewise greatly involved in reconnecting households.

“The electric cooperatives in Camarines Sur showed dedication to their work and compassion for all member consumers in their pursuit of 100 percent household restoration,” Fuentebella said.

We thank all the men and women of the Camarines Sur cooperatives for their unwavering commitment to the welfare of their consumers.