BORONGAN CITY, Sept. 3 (PIA) — The Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) explains the reasons why unscheduled power interruptions occur.
In a live presscon on Wednesday aired over Radyo Pilipinas, General Manager Edwin Amancio said any foreign object that comes in contact with the power lines could cause a problem that results in a power interruption.
"Pag may nahulog na dahon ng niyog, sanga, tuko, ahas or any wild animal sa linya, magkakaroon ng reaction at magtri-trip or mapuputol ang daloy ng kuryente," said Amancio.
Esamelco Board of Director President Rene Gerna said that he could not believe then that a snake could cause power interruption until he personally saw a toasted snake that fell into the power line.
He then asked the people to refrain from planting below the power lines as the lush vegetation causes problems when they touch the power lines.
The electric company appeals to the consuming public to understand the situation, that the limited resources could only provide so much.
Ideally, the presence of substations per 30 kilometers or so could efficiently provide the needed electricity and minimize power interruptions but Amancio said it will need some P100-M to construct such and the power company is experiencing a unique financial concern with the dramatic drop in the collection.
"Our efficiency collection was 98 percent before COVID-19, but with the COVID-19 where consumers are assured of no disconnection, the collection rate dropped to 68 percent," said Engr. Greg Lim-it.
The management assured that during unscheduled power interruptions, linemen are immediately deployed to areas with the problem and an on-line inspection is done.
The Esamelco management also said that certain improvements are being done like establishing a 69KV line in Guiuan, upgrading some equipment, and the on-going project in the Balangiga substation for better power efficiency.
As to unsettled electric bills, Gerna said the management has tolerated unpaid bills since March and this coming Sept 14, the electric company will then implement disconnection for those with unpaid 5-month bills.
Esamelco then is asking consumers to pay at least two months of their 5-month unpaid bills to avoid disconnection. ( nbq/PIA E. Samar)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
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