Power firm admits lapses over citywide power outage
Panay Electric Company Inc. (Peco) admitted its operational lapses and failure to disseminate information in the recent power outage which put thousands of consumers hanging when tropical storm Caloy hit last week.
Engr. Bienvinido Anatan, Peco's chief of the Engineering and Operation Department said they failed to institute precautionary measures to protect their poles from being hit by fallen tree branches which contributed to the power outage.
Anatan also admitted Peco's failure to appreciate the importance of communication or advisories coming from their end to update the thousands of consumers who were hungry for information.
Anatan along with several representatives from Peco and Panay Power Corporation was called Monday by Mayor Jerry Treñas to explain the massive power outage which affected almost all parts of the city.
The chief executive got irked with the silence of Peco over the massive power outage. Reports said not even an announcement over the radio relative to the power outage was heard from Peco.
Anatan explained that they failed to cut down or trim down trees which they deemed disturbance on their primary lines before the typhoon came. He blamed the fallen or broken trees which hit Peco's primary lines as the main cause of power outage.
The clearing of trees is primarily the task and function of Peco. Any ordinary person other than Peco personnel could not fix the lines as it is very dangerous. Primary lines contain running power supply.
Anatan also admitted that they lack manpower to immediately deal with the problems on fixing the power lines. At the time of the storm, Peco was not equipped with needed personnel to immediately put all the power lines in order and fast track the restoration of the electricity.
Anatan added that they also need special equipment to fix the lines and restore the power supply in the entire city. They have only five equipment and there are a number of areas which they need to respond.
Everybody was surprised during discussions when Anatan admitted that they normally hang up their telephones lines in times of calamity just like what happened over the weekend.
He justified their action saying "this are abnormal weather disturbance and needs abnormal decisions." Anatan said they are doing such practice for them to focus their attention on their works such as fixing the power lines and restoring power. "Anyway, they are asking the same questions, when to restore the power supply."
Anatan said they lack personnel to man the telephone queries of the thousands of consumers. The same reason why they hang up their telephones lines to evade inquiries.
Anatan's insensitive view on the importance of communication flared up the discussions on Peco's lapses. When trapped and ran out of justification, Anatan cooled down and assured they will stop their practice of hanging their telephone lines during calamities.
He added that the PR department will call radio stations and different media outlets and release any information needed during power interruptions even before they were bombarded with telephone calls.
On his part, Treñas who was dismayed on the actions of Peco look forward that Peco will make good on their assurance.
"The consumers have the right to know. PECO should give the consumers updates on the power status especially during storm," Treñas said.