TACLOBAN CITY -- The Biliran Electric Cooperative (Bileco) has restored electricity in all 117 villages of Biliran province battered by Tropical Storm Urduja more than a week ago.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page Tuesday, Bileco said power restoration was completed on the night of December 24 with two villages in Naval town as the last areas energized after the destructive storm.
“Please take note that there are still portions in some villages which remain un-energized to date. Our linemen are now exerting effort to restore power in these areas up to household level,” the power cooperative said.
Bileco said that restoration works were hampered by mobility as some roads have been closed due to landslides and damaged bridges.
The sole power service provider in Biliran province has 34,066 household connections in 117 villages.
The cooperative’s initial report showed that more than a hundred electric poles were toppled or sustained damage. The storm incurred damage cost of primary lines pegged at P11 million.
Last week, the Bileco board of directors passed resolutions to avail calamity loan from the National Electrification Administration and approved emergency purchase of rehabilitation materials after the local government declared Biliran province under state of calamity. (PNA)