BENECO braises for Ompong

Typhoon Ompong (Mangkut) is expected to batter North Luzon this Saturday as it entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Typhoon warnings have already been raised in many provinces that will be affected. The Benguet Electric Cooperative, Inc. (BENECO) has activated its Emergency Restoration Plan (ERP) in preparation for Ompong. The Department of Energy Circular 2018-01-0001 and the National Electrification Administration Memorandum 2018-013 require that electric cooperatives come up with their ERP’s. Under BENECO’s ERP, two divisions are now in effect, namely: the Distribution Dispatch and Restoration Command under the helm of the Network Services Department head, Engr. Melchor Licoben; and the Administrative and Support Office manned by the Institutional Services Department Manager Atty. Delmar O. Carino. Under the ERP, different functions, duties and levels of authority are put in place for the duration of the Emergency Restoration Plan that runs before, during and after the typhoon. Member Consumers are advised to take extra precaution during this time. Their patience and understanding are implored during this calamity as BENECO tries to continue to provide electricity. Basically, the restoration process starts from the supply of electricity through the 69 kv lines to the substations, then the backbone lines, followed by the lateral lines. The protocol dictates that hospitals will be prioritized in the restoration of power. The general manager directly oversees the Command Center. (#bluealert#benecoERP)