DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative (NORECO-I) has energized 23.51% of barangays in northern Negros Oriental that were heavily damaged by Typhoon Odette.

The figure translates to 67 out of 285 barangays that have yet to be re-energized in the northern part of the province as of the Jan. 8 report of NORECO-I.

The electric cooperative was able to restore power in eight barangays in Ayungon, eight in Bais City, six in Bindoy, eight in Canlaon City, four in Guihulngan, one in La Libertad, 13 in Mabinay, two in Manjuyod, seven in Tayasan, and 10 in Vallehermoso.

As of Jan. 8, Jimalalud is the only district in NORECO-I’s franchise area that has no electricity.

NORECO-I also reported that the Feeder 2 backbone (main) lines from Pangalaycayan Bindoy to Bgry. Suba, Manjuyod is now energized while restoration of lateral lines going to Inapoy Hospital in the hinterlands is also ongoing.

The administration of NORECO-I continues to appeal for patience and understanding among its Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) in its power restoration efforts, noting that some areas may take longer to be re-energized since unsafe electric meters and service drop wires could pose a risk to the restoration team.

However, the electric cooperative assured its MCOs that it is doing its best to restore power as soon as possible.

“Our Warriors of Light together with Task Force Kapatid and EDC lineworkers will continue the power restoration prioritizing (areas) along the national highways of Manjuyod, Jimalalud, and La Libertad the soonest possible time,” NORECO-I said in a statement posted in their official Facebook page.

NORECO-I was referring to the augmentation force provided by other electric cooperatives from Negros Occidental, Tarlac, Iloilo, Occidental Mindoro, and Zambales to speed up the power restoration efforts in areas badly-hit by the typhoon.

Meanwhile, NORECO-I also announced to its MCOs that their electric bill for the December will cover up to Dec. 16 only in view of the typhoon.

“Pinasubay sa lagda sa Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), ang basehanan sa atong bill mao ang 'averaging' sa miagi nga tulo ka bulan sa atong gi konsumo nga kuryente (Based on the guidelines from the Energy Regulatory Commission, the billing will be based on the average consumption of electricity over the past three months),” NORECO-I said in a statement. (RAL/PIA7 Negros Oriental)