MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) sets up an extensive cleaning operation ahead of the rainy season, which would cause a temporary power outage in some areas in Iloilo.

In a statement on Friday, May 24, MORE Power said it will soon initiate the final phase of its 69 kilovolts (kV) line cleaning operation as they are anticipating the onset of La Niña, projected by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

Vice President of the Network Development and Operations Bernard Bailey Del Castillo said that Phases 1 and 2 marked the initial stages last March 27 and April 21.

Del Castillo added that there will be a scheduled power interruption by Sunday, May 26, to prepare for the possible arrival of the rainy season.

“The primary objective of initiating the final phase of our cleaning operation is to adequately prepare for the imminent rainy season,” he said.

“The accumulation of dirt on our power lines poses significant challenges, as it can lead to sparks and outages when it rains. Heavy rainfall is required to effectively wash away the accumulated dirt.”

While Phases 1 and 2 only covered a portion of the 69kV lines 2 and 5, other lines located at the Baldoza junction in La Paz have yet to be dealt with due to safety concerns.

According to MORE Power, both 69kV lines must be shut off first for personnel’s safety.

“We cannot simultaneously interrupt all 69kV lines due to the expansive working area; hence, we are conducting the process in multiple phases. In addition to facility washing, during the first two phases, we also replaced hundreds of post insulators,” Del Castillo explained.

This would mean 80 percent of the franchise area would have a scheduled power interruption for 11 hours.

“Since the lines are interconnected, we will facilitate load transfer, reducing the impact to only 53 percent of its consumers,” MORE Power assured.

The electricity firm will also provide free cold water and mobile charging to areas affected by the Sunday power outage.