BORACAY – The sole power distributor in Aklan is working “non-stop” to restore electricity in the typhoon-ravaged areas of the province.
This was after the National Electrification Administration (NEA) tasked the Aklan Electric Cooperative (Akelco) and Power Restoration Rapid Deployment Task Force Kapatid to beat the deadline.
NEA sees full restoration in coverage areas of Akelco by February, according to Akelco assistant general manager Joel Martinez.
As of this writing, Akelco has managed to energize 27,000 households or about 20 percent of the 143,000 member-consumers in Aklan and northern Antique. Akelco’s initial damage to power distribution infrastructure has already reached P73 million.
Over 850 electric posts were also toppled at the height of typhoon “Ursula’s” onslaught in the franchise area.
Martinez said electricians, retired linemen and local contractors were mobilized to fast track the power restoration in various households.
“Kailangan natin sila sa pag-repair ng service drop wires sa mga kabahayan. Wala naman tayong nasirang substations at facilities, ang nasira natin mga poste, transformers, electric meters at linya. Halos apektado ang ating coverage area ni ‘Ursula’ kumpara noong typhoon Yolanda,” Martinez added.
A contingent of line workers and technical personnel from Iloilo, Zamboanga del Norte, Antique, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Norte, and Bukidnon – with their utility trucks – has also helped in the restoration efforts.
Martinez said portions of the affected towns in Aklan have electricity before New Year.
In this world-famous island, however, power restoration efforts are still ongoing in the barangays of Yapak, Balabag and Manoc-Manoc.
Due to this, a state of calamity was declared in Aklan following the devastation of typhoon “Ursula” on Dec. 25, 2019.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
