DOE praises Napocor for swift storm recovery

The Department of Energy (DOE) has commended the National Power Corporation (Napocor) for its rapid response to Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, citing the state-owned utility’s role in maintaining safe dam operations and restoring power in storm-hit areas.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin praised Napocor’s performance, noting its professionalism and strong commitment to public service, particularly in off-grid communities prone to prolonged outages and flooding.

“Napocor’s performance during and after Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan is a concrete example of responsible and professional public service,” Garin said. “The safe operation of our dams and the rapid restoration of power in off-grid areas show the dedication of Napocor’s engineers, linemen, and operations personnel, who worked under difficult conditions to keep our people safe and our systems stable.”

All dams under Napocor’s supervision remained within normal operating levels throughout both storms, with no downstream flooding linked to dam discharges, according to the DOE.

The agency attributed this to controlled water releases and continuous 24-hour monitoring during the weather disturbances.

The DOE confirmed the full restoration of transmission lines in off-grid areas served by Napocor’s Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG), stabilizing power supply across affected island communities.

In Calayan, the diesel power plant is operational, with two barangays still awaiting distribution line repairs handled by the local government.

In Ticao, the diesel plant is running, while restoration work in four barangays remains pending action from the local electric cooperative.

All Napocor diesel plants in Romblon have returned to normal operations.

Several critical facilities—including the Marinara and Codon Substations and the Balongbong Hydroelectric Power Plant—continue to operate without disruption.

The San Miguel and Viga Substations in Catanduanes are fully functional and are awaiting feeder energization by the local electric cooperative.

In harder-hit areas, rehabilitation efforts are accelerating.

Napocor’s diesel power plant in Palumbanes, which sustained severe storm-surge damage, is undergoing fast-tracked repairs and is targeted for restoration on Nov. 21.

In Calaguas, Camarines Norte, the diesel plant is operational, but power delivery remains dependent on the restoration of distribution lines, and the plant’s containerized bunkhouse was destroyed during the storm.

In Mindanao, the Agus–Pulangi Hydroelectric Power Plant Complexes operated uninterrupted throughout the storms, maintaining a 10-year record of zero flooding incidents associated with dam discharges.

The complexes also exceeded their year-to-date power generation targets by nearly 20%, strengthening grid stability and regional energy security.

Garin said these accomplishments resulted from the combined efforts of Napocor personnel, local governments, and electric cooperatives.

“Our dams remain safe, our restoration work is progressing efficiently, and off-grid communities are steadily being re-energized,” she said. “I commend Napocor’s leadership and its entire workforce, as well as our partner local governments, electric cooperatives, and frontline responders. Their collective work is helping families, businesses, and critical services get back on their feet.”

She added that the DOE would continue supporting recovery operations and long-term energy resilience.

“The DOE will continue to support Napocor and the entire energy family to ensure that no community is left behind in recovery,” Garin said. “We remain fully committed to building a more resilient and secure energy system for all Filipinos.”