By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur —The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. (ASELCO) on Monday acknowledged that residents endured 133 power interruptions in just six months, as the utility blamed vegetation, aging equipment, and unresolved coordination problems with government agencies for the recurring outages.
Facing the Sangguniang Panlalawigan after complaints from Board Member Eric G. Siohan, ASELCO officials said data from July to December 2025 showed that one in every three outages was caused by trees and fast-growing vegetation striking power lines, triggering automatic shutdowns meant to prevent fires.
Another 30% of the interruptions were traced to thermal overloading and equipment failures, which ASELCO said were the result of rising electricity demand stretching an already aging distribution system. The cooperative acknowledged that capacity constraints remain even as consumption continues to climb.
The rest of the outages, according to ASELCO, were caused by failures in National Grid Corporation of the Philippines transmission lines (11%), over-height trucks pulling down wires, animal intrusions, and power-line exposure during DPWH road-widening projects.
While outlining ongoing upgrades, ASELCO admitted that key solutions are still incomplete. Expansion works at the Bayugan and Talacogon substations, aimed at preventing voltage drops and ensuring stable power during the upcoming Palarong Pambansa, remain under implementation, with no publicly disclosed contingency plan should demand exceed capacity before completion.
ASELCO also flagged unpaid DPWH obligations for power-line relocations, saying delays in releasing funds—despite Energy Regulatory Commission approval—have slowed the transfer of facilities and left distribution lines vulnerable amid road construction.
The cooperative urged stricter enforcement of the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, citing continued resistance from landowners during line-clearing operations, and called on local governments to regulate over-height cargo trucks that repeatedly trigger avoidable outages along national highways.
The provincial board, on motion of Board Member Edwin G. Elorde, referred ASELCO’s requests to the Provincial Legal Office for review, effectively postponing immediate legislative action as residents continue to face an unstable power supply.
ASELCO said it remains committed to system improvements, but lawmakers noted that no firm timeline was presented for when consumers—particularly businesses, schools, and hospitals—can expect sustained and interruption-free electricity.
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