Visayan Electric says addressing reported extortion in post-typhoon restoration
VISAYAN ELECTRIC Company, Inc. (Visayan Electric) said on Thursday that investigation is underway on reports of contractors or linemen extorting money from customers to get priority in having their supply back as restoration works continue in the aftermath of typhoon Odette, which toppled power lines almost a month ago.
“We ask for cooperation from the public not to entertain or participate in these illegal activities,” the Aboitiz-owned utility company said in a statement first released to the Cebu press on Jan. 7.
The company assured that those who will be proven to have committed “such illegal actions will be penalized accordingly.”
Visayan Electric also warned customers that it would not be liable for “any damage or loss arising out of or in connection with the unauthorized re-energization arrangement.”
The service provider underscored that restoration of electricity is free of charge and that its teams have been working 24 hours a day to fast-track repair works.
As of Jan. 12, the company said it has reconnected 269,747 customers, with power demand reaching 374 megawatts or about 75% of the pre-typhoon level.
Visayan Electric, the second largest electric utility in the country, covers an area of about 674 square kilometers with a population of about 1.73 million.
It’s franchise area includes the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, and Naga, and the towns of Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanilla and San Fernando.
The company said damage assessment so far indicates 1,997 poles were affected. Inspection is still ongoing in remote areas.
