by Yas Ocampo
DAVAO CITY -- Power utility Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) has asked for the assistance of residents to expedite the restoration of at least 8,000 electric meters damaged following floods that left some homes submerged before Christmas Eve.
FILE PHOTO: Linesmen from the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) prepare to move power lines that will be affected by road-widening along the national highway in Barangay Hizon in Davao City. (Keith Bacongco/Manila Bulletin)
Speaking to reporters Wednesday noon, DLPC executive vice-president and chief operations officer Rodger Velasco said that the company and its contractors will be going to the heavily affected areas, such as Jade Valley, to help restore the power meters.
Each power meter costs around P1,500, but the DLPC guaranteed that expenses would be shouldered by the utility under an emergency capital expenditure application with the Energy Regulatory Commission.
The replacement operation will be undertaken in the next three days, he said.
After the meters are replaced, the utility would then energize the individual houses affected by the power outages.
"Safety is of paramount importance to us," Velasco said. "We want to maintain zero casualties, zero electrocutions, and zero fire, but it will take us time to restore power."
Velasco asked affected franchise area clients to facilitate the inspection by contractors and DLPC employees, while also making sure that the area has been cleaned and dried to avoid accidents.
Over the past days, residents of affected areas have been given briefings in Cebuano to help residents understand what needs to be done.
In a statement, DLPC said that restoration of the main lines continues in areas such as San Antonio, Acacia, and Jade Valley.
The utility said power has been restored in most parts of the franchise, such as Mandug, El Rio, Marfori, Spring Village, all in Davao City, and Purok 5A Dujali in Davao del Norte.
Some portions of DECA Homes Tigatto, Gem Village, and Juliville have also been partially energized.
Delays have been brought about by either inaccessible areas or the presence of wet electrical outlets and meters.
Since December 23, Davao Light crews started replacing wet meters just to hasten restoration of power in individual homes They also prioritized streetlights to provide illumination in some areas, the company said in a statement.
In order to fast track the electricity supply in the affected areas, Davao Light advised its customers to ensure that the convenience outlets and main switch/breaker system are clean and dry and that a competent electrician make inspections.