The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that a number of its power plants are currently on precautionary shutdown due to the possible effects of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Opong, which has caused localized interruptions on Friday.

In a report by RH 15 Jecelle Ricafort, among these power plants are the BACMAN units 1 to 3 in Albay and Sorsogon, and Palayan Binary Power Plant in Albay as well, although other plants on the grid remain operational.

For off-grid operations, the agency said the diesel power plants under the National Power Corp. Small Power Utilities Group (NPC SPUG) are either on standby or operational. However, its distribution line is not energized or is only partially energized because of damage sustained from Opong.

As of 9:00 a.m. on September 26, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Calbayog-Allen 69kV Line, Paranas-Quinapondan 69kV Line, Calbayog-Bliss 69kV Line, and Amlan-Siaton 69kV Line are unavailable and affecting power supply in Samar, Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, and Negros Oriental.

Inspections and restorations are set to resume once the weather clears.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin assured that it is the agency’s priority to restore electricity supply to lifeline facilities, in accordance with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order.