A month after typhoon Odette ravaged the Visayas, most of Bohol remains without electricity due to toppled transmission lines.
However, the National Grid Corporation (NGCP), in a statement said they are confident that they would be able to energise the province in mid-February instead of the initial target month of April.
The NGCP said they might be able to reconnect their lines from the 90-megawatt geothermal power plant in Leyte through the construction of temporary towers in the towns of Ubay and Pres. Carlos P. Garcia.
The temporary lines will be enough to re-energize most of the province, while the original towers toppled by Odette are scheduled to be fully operational by April.
Based on current data from the One Bohol Power Distribution Utilities, the province-wide blackout has affected some 315,000 customers composed of 89% of residential and 34,000 commercial consumers.
As of writing, Bohol is experiencing rotating blackouts with limited supply from the 26 MW Power Barge in Ubay and the 12 MW Bohol diesel power plant in Tagbilaran City.
The NGCP is closely working with the provincial capital, the Philippine Coast Guard, and local shipping companies to fast track delivery of repair equipment to restore Bohol’s power supply. -Ryan Sorote