Old transformer explodes, 18 Abra towns without power

May 6, 2020

BAGUIO CITY-  At least 18 out of 27 towns in Abra have no power as a 48-year-old  transformer of  Abra Electric Cooperative (Abreco) exploded, resulting into a 20-minute fire at its substation in Barangay Calaba, Bangued, Abra’s capital Tuesday.

Abreco, which has since been taken over by a NEA-instituted management Task Force Duterte-Abra Power  more than two years ago, said one of its 5MVA transformers caught fire at around 3:37 pm.

Without electricity are the towns in Tayum, Dolores, San Juan, Tineg, Lagangilang, Lacub, Licuan-Baay, Malibcong, Bucay, Sallapadan, Bucloc, Daguioman, Manabo, Boliney, Luba, all the way up to highland Tubo and at least five barangays in Bangued and Lagayan towns.

The transformer was supposed to undergo annual preventive maintenance this month after travel restrictions are lifted due to quarantine.

Task Force Duterte-Abra Power said it is looking for a replacement of its transformer to restore power in the affected towns.

It said there will be rotating blackouts while there is no replacement to the transformer.  DMS