AboitizPower energizes oil-fired plant to help restore power in Cebu
AboitizPower distribution unit, Visayan Electric, is ramping up its efforts to restore power and aid in the recovery of the affected communities in Cebu. With power transmission lines and substation assets severely damaged, transporting electricity from generators to distribution utilities and communities continues to be a challenge.
In response to the affected communities’ need for immediate power restoration, AboitizPower deployed a team to energize its oil–fired power plant, operated and managed by its subsidiary, Cebu Private Power Corporation (CPPC). CPPC is a power plant located in the heart of Cebu City, embedded within the Visayan Electric Company (VECO) franchise area, and has the unique capability to deliver power directly to VECO circuits and its customers.
Four CPPC power generator units started delivering 18 MW of power supply directly to VECO on Sunday morning, providing much needed electricity starting with priority areas like hospitals, government facilities, and the Metro Cebu Water District pumping stations. CPPC expects more of its power generator units to operate in the next 24 hours, aiming to double power output to 36 MW.
During the CPPC power plant energization activities, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said, “We are extremely grateful to AboitizPower and its business units Visayan Electric Company and CPPC for the swift response to provide the much needed power to our communities. This is very crucial to Cebu’s recovery from the impacts of the typhoon.”
“We’re also hoping that National Grid Corporation’s transmission lines and substations can be fixed and operate at the required capacity as soon as possible, so that the power supply to VECO, our key infrastructure facilities, and the people of Cebu can return to normal,” Rama added, “We are really fortunate to have the power generation capability of CPPC right here in downtown Cebu City, to help us out in this difficult time.”
“The initial power output from CPPC is very limited and will be sent to hospitals like CCMC, Vicente Sotto, Chong Hua, and Perpetual Succor, as well as to MCWD so that water supply can be restored, and to the Cebu Provincial Capitol. Until NGCP restores power transmission services, the electricity supply situation in Cebu city will likely remain inadequate. We ask for the public’s continued patience and understanding as we are doing our best to deliver electricity to our customers as soon as it is available,” VECO Chief Operating Officer Raul Lucero said.
AboitizPower continues to mobilize its field teams to accelerate power restoration and relief operations activities in affected areas. Teams from its other distribution units like Davao Light and Power, Subic Enerzone, and Cotabato Light were deployed to assist in the power restoration efforts in Cebu.
