Albay’s geothermal town has no power

By Mavic Conde

The local government unit (LGU) of Tiwi in Albay province has urged the Albay Power and Energy Corporation (APEC) to fast track the restoration of power supply in the municipality as only six out of the 25 villages have been energized since Nov. 26 when Typhoon “Quinta” totally toppled down the town’s electricity.

In an open letter, the LGU Tiwi urged APEC to fast-track the restoration of power supply in the town because the continued lack of power affects businesses, as well as it puts additional burden on households, teachers, and students among others due to the severe effects of Typhoons “Rolly” and “Ulysses.”

The open letter said “Ang Lokal na Gobyerno ng Tiwi kasama ang mga pamahalaang Barangay ay sama-sama sa pagtulong para sa mas mabilis na pagbalik ng kuryente. Ngunit sa hindi malaman na dahilan, hindi sapat ang tugon ng APEC partikular sa kakulangan ng mga kawani at materyales para sa mabilis na rehabilitasyon.”

Ang hinihingi namin ay mabilis na maibalik ang kuryente sa buong Bayan ng Tiwi at kaukulan na petsa kung kailan maibabalik ang kuryente sa bawat barangay.”

The LGU also reminded APEC that its source of power supply comes from Tiwi, where the Tiwi Geothermal Plant is located.

Among Albay’s three districts, the 1st District has only 47 percent of its power supply restored since Dec. 18, according to an APEC advisory.

Of the five towns and one city that composed the 1st District, the town of Tiwi is the least re-energized. Only six out of its 25 barangays have their power supply back, with the rest coping off-grid since “Quinta” hit the province on Nov. 26.

In Malinao, only 28 percent of its consumers have their power supply back, 38 percent for Bacacay, 53 percent for Tabaco City, 56 percent for Malilipot, and 100% for Sto. Domingo.

Meanwhile, the 2nd District of Albay has 99 percent of its power supply already restored, followed by the 3rd District with 90 percent restored.