The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said power restoration in some parts of the Bicol region may be delayed due to Typhoon Ulysses.

NEA deputy administrator Artis Nikki Tortola said Wednesday that a total of 998,375 households were affected by typhoons Quinta and Rolly as of Nov. 5.

As of Nov.11, only 26.22 percent of the affected households still do not have electricity.

“There is actually movements in terms of energization in six electric cooperatives namely QUEZELCO I (Quezon I Electric Cooperative), MARELCO (Marinduque), CASURECO II (Camarines Sur II), CANORECO (Camarines Norte), SORECO I and II (Sorsogon I and II),” Tortola said during the House of Representatives’ Committee on Energy meeting.

He said 13 of the typhoon-affected electric cooperatives (ECs) have re-energized 76 to 100 percent of their franchise areas, while three ECs already brought back power between 26 and 75 percent in their franchise areas.

On the other hand, four ECs have re-energized their franchise areas from zero to 25 percent.

In particular, franchise areas of First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative Inc. (FICELCO) still do not have electricity.

Tortola said NEA targeted to energize vital areas served by FICELCO last Nov. 9.

“Unfortunately, due to the typhoon, this may slide, and even including the northern portion which we are targeting to be energized within five to seven days’ time may slide due to Typhoon Ulysses,” he said.

Tortola added “Quinta” and “Rolly” left over half a billion pesos in energy infrastructure damage to ECs.

Damage to energy infrastructure due to “Quinta” reached PHP145.5 million, while those caused by “Rolly” hit PHP393.5 million. (PNA)