DOE probes massive Mindanao blackout

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is investigating a massive power outage in Mindanao on Thursday.

“We are validating the cause of the blackout... We are taking steps to secure electricity services in Mindanao,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

A report received by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said a blackout that occurred at around 10:38 a.m. affected Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Zamboanga peninsula provinces and parts of the cities of Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos and Davao.

The NGCP said the power outage was caused by an “intentional toppling” of vegetation to the lines between the Baloi-Agus 2 138 kiloVolt line.

The Mindanao grid was placed on red alert due to the blackout.

Power was restored at around 1:56 p.m. also on Thursday, with the restoration of the affected lines, except the Agus 2 – Baloi Lines 1 and 2.

In Zamboanga peninsula, operations at the NGCP substation was restored after the Western Mindanao Power Corp.’s diesel-fired power plant was synchronized to the grid.

“We are asking the NGCP and other stakeholders to explain the cause... to prevent the incident from happening again,” Cusi said.

The DOE assured the public that it has been monitoring the situation along with other energy stakeholders.