The Wrath of Milenyo

MANILA, Philippines -- IN LIGHT of typhoons that often hit the Bicol region, leaving it disconnected from the rest of the Luzon grid due to damaged transmission towers and substations, National Power Corp. is considering doing so-called "islanding operations" in the region.

This means cutting off the Bicol region from the rest of the grid and providing it with a dedicated power source.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said this was a viable and practical option for the Bicol region as it was often hit by super typhoons, citing last year's Milenyo and Reming.

"Napocor is ready to do islanding operations in Bicol. We're working with Chevron in (the Tiwi geothermal plant) to ensure that the facilities there will not be as easily damaged by typhoons as in the past. It's very important for us to work on these things," he said.

According to Napocor, it would greatly benefit the Bicol region to be taken as a separate "island" instead of being connected to the Luzon grid as this would mean a dedicated power source for the area.

This would make Bicol less prone to transmission-related power outages during the typhoon season.

Typhoons Milenyo and Reming left the Bicol region without electricity for weeks and even months in some areas last year.

Repairs are still being conducted in the region, particularly on the lines and towers of National Transmission Corp. These are expected to be completed by July for the Milenyo-related repairs and by December for the Reming-related repairs.

Last May 2, six Transco towers along the Naga-Tayabas line collapsed, plunging some parts of the region into darkness for almost two weeks.