By:
Daxim L. Lucas - 12:30 AM December 24, 2016
The Department of
Energy and other players in the power sector have mobilized their resources to
minimize the disruption of the country’s electricity supply by Tropical Storm
“Nina,” which is forecast to make landfall over the Bicol Region this Christmas
weekend.
In a statement, Energy
Secretary Alfonso Cusi said he had directed energy industry players and
government agencies to prepare and closely monitor the entry of Nina, to ensure
minimal impact to energy facilities for the people to enjoy continuous energy
supply during the holidays.
According to the
weather bureau Pagasa, Nina is expected to make landfall over the Bicol Region,
or nearby Samar, between Dec. 24 and 25.
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“I asked the energy
family, specifically the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)
and the National Electrification Administration (NEA), to prepare necessary
precautionary measures, especially for the speedy restoration and recovery if
the storm will affect the power facilities,” Cusi said.
Both the NGCP and the
Manila Electric Co. have already indicated that they have put their units on
standby to respond to potential damage to the transmission system that the
weather disturbance may cause.
“Even during holidays,
Task Force Kapatid will be readied for easy mobilization of assets,” he added,
referring to the ad hoc unit tasked with mitigating the impact of natural
calamities on the country’s power system.
As to petroleum
products, Cusi asked the oil companies to ensure prescribed inventory of fuels,
especially to those communities that depend on gasoline and diesel for their
daily activities, to protect oil consumers from hampered services.
The Energy chief also
reminded the public to exercise emergency and safety measures like charging
flashlights and mobile phones; staying informed about the latest news
developments; switching off circuit breakers and other electrical systems to
avoid electrocution and other electrical mishaps; and checking electrical
systems after the storm to avoid short circuits.
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