In the wake of a string of typhoons, the Department of Energy (DOE) is urging distribution utilities (DUs), electric cooperatives (ECs), the National Electrification Administration (NEA), and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to expedite power restoration efforts in affected areas.

Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla emphasized the importance of a "build back better" strategy, which involves constructing more typhoon-resistant power lines, improving network data capacity, and evaluating the wind resistance of existing distribution and transmission lines to ensure the integrity of power assets.

"Identifying specific weaknesses in the network allows for targeted reinforcements where they are needed most," Lotilla said in a statement on Monday, Nov. 18.

The DOE reported that 39 ECs across 26 provinces and seven regions have undergone monitoring and assessment following Typhoon Pepito. The First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, for example, implemented a manual shutdown affecting over 60,000 consumers due to the storm. Restoration efforts began on Sunday, Nov. 17.

"The goal is to strengthen power lines in high-risk areas, ensuring they can withstand future storms," Lotilla explained. "This will minimize disruptions and reduce risks posed by extreme weather events. Proactive measures will enhance the resilience of the country's energy infrastructure and safeguard communities from prolonged power outages."

Lotilla added that mapping oil and gas assets, generation plants, and transmission lines would help ensure adequate preparations and safeguard critical infrastructure against severe weather. He acknowledged that while ECs have been upgrading distribution lines to withstand winds up to 280 kilometers per hour (kph), some can only handle winds up to 160 kph.

The energy sector has completed work on the Bayombong-Lagawe and Cabanatuan-San Luis lines, restoring power to service areas of the Ifugao Electric Cooperative (IFELCO), Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative (NUVELCO) II, and Aurora Electric Cooperative (AURELCO).

Repairs are underway on the Santiago-Cauayan line serving the Isabela Electric Cooperative (ISELCO), with NGCP continuing work in accessible areas.

Restoration efforts are also ongoing in areas affected by Tropical Storm Nika, including ISELCO I and II, Quirino Electric Cooperative (QUIRELCO), Kalinga Electric Cooperative (KAELCO), IFELCO, and AURELCO.

"The NEA, through its Task Force Kapatid program, has deployed 84 linemen, including responders from NUVELCO I, to assist ISELCO I with its restoration efforts," the DOE said.

The Cagayan Electric Cooperative I and II (CAGELCO I and II) and Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative (CASURECO) III are also undergoing repairs. CAGELCO II has restored 72 percent of power in its service area with support from the Tarlac I Electric Cooperative (TARELCO) and Peninsula Electric Cooperative (PENELCO).

In line with President Marcos' mandate, most affected areas have begun restoring electricity services by deploying linemen, engineers, and electrical personnel.