SAN ISIDRO, Nueva Ecija – Manpower contingents from at least 13 power distribution utilities are currently working hand-in-hand to restore electric supply within the service area of Nueva Ecija 1 Electric Cooperative (NEECO1).
Von Richard Labios, NEECO 1 general manager, said 12 cooperatives and a private power firm have deployed people and equipment under the so-called “Task Force Kapatid” here to augment their teams in rehabilitating power lines that were hit by super Typhoon Karding recently.
At least 200 posts were downed by strong winds unleased by the typhoon in their area, one of the hardest hit in Central Luzon, according to Labios.
As of Oct. 5, about 52% of 96,000 consumer connections (households) have been energized, he said.
The damage to lines and other properties was initially pegged at P23 million.
Labios stressed that NEECO 1 had a buffer stock of materials, as provided by the rules on electric coops, that maybe needed for speedy reenergization in case of calamity.
“Ang number one na naging problema namin ay mobilization because of the traffic na nalikha ng mga nagbagsakang poste,” he said, adding it took their crews two to three hours from their office to reach some areas in Gapan City.
This town where the NEECO 1 office sits is adjacent to Gapan City.
“Nevertheless naman po, si NEECO 1 po ay puspos ang trabaho,” Labios said, assuring that personnel, including the contingents from other power utilities, are working hard until nighttime.
They expect to fully energize their lines by Oct. 31.
