The Department of Energy (DOE) reported that restoration efforts are underway following a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao, with government personnel and energy sector partners working to safely re-energize affected communities.

In a statement on Tuesday, June 9, the DOE said that electricity services have already been restored in some provinces affected by the quake. However, damage assessments and system inspections of generation, transmission, and distribution facilities are still ongoing.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin ordered all concerned energy stakeholders to prioritize facilities critical to public safety and emergency response, such as hospitals, evacuation centers, water facilities, communication systems, and other vital installations.

In the power generation sector, the San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Malita coal plant’s two generating units, with a combined capacity of 300 megawatts (MW), were affected by the quake and remain offline. Unit 1 is targeted for restoration by June 10, and Unit 2 by June 13.

Two units of Sarangani Energy Corp.’s coal plant, totaling 237 MW, also remain under emergency shutdown while assessments are being conducted, with both units initially targeted for restoration by June 10.

In off-grid areas, Sarangani’s diesel power plants continue to operate normally. However, damage to distribution lines has affected 1,149 consumer connections. Restoration remains ongoing.

Meanwhile, Power Source Philippines Inc. (PSPI), the microgrid system provider serving Balut Island in Davao Occidental province, was also affected, disrupting electricity service to 949 households across eight barangays. Restoration of plant facilities is targeted by June 16.

The DOE likewise directed National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to fast-track assessment and restoration activities to ensure the swift and safe recovery of affected services.

The Matanao-General Santos 138-kilovolt (kV) Line 2 remains out of service, while two transformers at General Santos substation remain unavailable pending assessment.

On the distribution side, restoration efforts have resulted in significant progress, with South Cotabato I Electric Cooperative Inc. (SOCOTECO I) returning to normal operations after a total power interruption on June 8.

Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. (DASURECO) and South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative Inc. (SOCOTECO II), on the other hand, continue to experience partial interruptions, with restoration efforts ongoing for a total of 157,263 consumer connections. In addition, Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. remains under partial power interruption, affecting an estimated 500 customer connections.

To bolster ongoing activities, the DOE, in coordination with the National Electrification Administration (NEA), has activated Task Force Kapatid (TFK) and deployed personnel on the ground to support affected cooperatives.

“TFK will be working alongside our electric cooperatives and distribution utilities to accelerate restoration efforts and reinforce local response capacities,” Garin said.

The DOE chief added that while electricity has been restored in several areas, significant work remains in communities that continue to experience disruptions. - Gabriell Christel Galang