BAGUIO: The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) announced that power has been fully restored in Baguio City and the Benguet province following the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, known internationally as Trami. Despite the restoration, Beneco remains on high alert due to the anticipated effects of Severe Tropical Storm Leon, internationally referred to as Kong-rey.
According to Philippines News Agency, Beneco Community Relations Officer Laarni Ilagan confirmed that their operations division continues to operate under red alert status as they monitor the potential impacts of the approaching storm. In a separate press release, Sheraine Mae Willy, a system planning and design engineer with Beneco’s Network Services Department, noted that Baguio City did not experience a major power outage during Kristine’s passage. However, she mentioned that minor issues such as low voltage and brief power outages were reported due to fallen trees or branches.
Willy indicated that while Kristine did not cause sign
ificant damage to Beneco’s infrastructure, it resulted in damage amounting to PHP610,908.32 to the cooperative’s distribution system, predominantly in Benguet province. Earlier in the week, Beneco had recorded PHP593,421 in damages to its infrastructure in Benguet, with Baguio City experiencing damages valued at PHP17,486.
The storm left five transformers damaged in several areas, including Baguio Gold in Itogon, Bangao in Buguias, Tinongdan in Itogon, Bayabas in Sablan, and Camp 1 in Tuba, all within Benguet. The cost for these damages was approximately PHP362,716.06. Additionally, several collapsed, eroded, and bent poles required replacement and correction in Mankayan, La Trinidad, Buguias, Tuba, and Baguio City.