Damage to rural utilities from typhoon Quinta initially estimated at P51-M

Electric cooperatives sustained P50.92 million worth of damage from Typhoon Quinta (international name: Molave) according to initial estimates released by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) Friday.

Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (Ormeco) was assessed losses of P14.659 million, while estimates for Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative (Casureco IV) totaled P9.479 million. Damage to Marinduque Electric Cooperative (Marelco) was reported at P8.476 million.

Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative (Casureco III) sustained damage worth P5.523 million and Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative (Casureco II) P4.585 million.

As of Thursday, power was restored to 1.39 million or 62% of the 2.22 million affected households, leaving 830,981 households still without power in the coverage areas of 19 rural utilities along the typhoon’s track.

Separately, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it completed on Friday the restoration of transmission lines damaged by the typhoon. — Adam J. Ang