BENECO Update on Power Restoration in Northern Benguet
by Nadine M. Losnong
BAGUIO CITY, November 13, 2025 – Power restoration in Northern Benguet is ongoing. Once the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) restores transmission supply, parts of Atok, Kapangan, Tublay, Buguias, Mankayan, Kibungan, and Bakun will have their electricity reconnected.
However, some areas will require more time to be fully energized due to extensive damage to key backbone lines, particularly affecting Circuits 4 and 6. These circuits are critical distribution backbones supplying the northern municipalities of Benguet, and their damage has left large sections of communities still without power.
• Circuit 4 supplies Guinaoang, Mankayan to Amlimay, Buguias. The major damage starts at Guinaoang, Mankayan, with five damaged poles.
• Circuit 6 supplies Sinispsip, Amgaleygey to Abatan. This section also suffered multiple damaged backbone lines and destroyed poles starting at Sinipsip.
Meanwhile, Circuits 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 are ready for energization once NGCP restores transmission:
• Circuit 1: Along Halsema Highway from Camp 30 to Km 21, Atok
• Circuit 2: Along Halsema Highway from Camp 30 to Km 40, Atok
• Circuit 3: Backbone lines from Camp 30 to Sowe, Poblacion Atok to Taba-ao, Kapangan to Poblacion, Kibungan; Backbone line from Taba-ao to Datakan, Kapangan to Caponga, Tublay; Along Halsema from Caponga to Km. 21
• Circuit 5: Along Cervantes Road from Bulalacao Substation to Poblacion, Mankayan
• Circuit 7: Along Halsema Highway from Sinipsip Substation to Bakun Junction
• Circuit 8: Repair works begin today following road clearance operations.
Power restoration follows a systematic process. Teams first assess the extent of the damage to identify priority areas. Repairs begin with backbone lines that deliver electricity from substations to major load centers, followed by the restoration of feeder lines and laterals that supply power to barangays and households.
Once damaged poles, transformers, and other equipment are replaced or repaired, power is gradually energized in stages to ensure safety and system stability.
The cooperative is also prioritizing the energization of municipal centers, including municipal halls and other offices vital to the delivery of basic social services, while restoration work in other areas continues.
As of 12:00 noon, a total of 104 poles have been reported damaged, 57 in the northern area (15 in Atok, 26 in Buguias, 1 in Kapangan, 2 in Kibungan, 9 in Mankayan, and 4 in Tublay). Many of these are backbone line poles that transmit electricity from substations to feeder lines and barangays, making their damage a significant factor in the slower pace of power restoration. Additionally, nine transformers were reported damaged, two in Atok, one in Bakun, and one in Buguias.
BENECO teams, together with line maintenance contractors, have been working continuously since Tuesday, clearing debris, inspecting lines, and erecting new poles in some of the most difficult-to-access areas.
Each pole replacement can take nearly a full day, and materials must be hauled from Baguio, which further affects restoration speed. These challenges, combined with road closures and the massive number of damaged poles, explain why full restoration is taking time.
According to BENECO, 176 out of 269 barangays have already been restored, with an estimated ₱10.2 million in damages to the distribution network, reflecting the extensive reconstruction efforts required to fully rehabilitate affected infrastructure.
Engr. Fraiser Angayen, Network Services Department (NSD) Manager, said that full restoration in Northern Benguet may take up to two weeks, considering the extensive damage, terrain challenges, and logistical requirements.
Assistant General Manager Artemio Bacoco, together with the Community Relations team, continues to appraise local leaders in the municipalities to address concerns and support field operations, while BENECO General Manager Melchor S. Licoben leads technical restoration efforts across the province. (NML)
