CATARMAN, Northern Samar — Efforts of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and Northern Samar Electric Cooperative (Norsamelco) remain in full swing to restore transmission lines to provide electricity in all towns of Northern Samar before Christmas.

Norsamelco General Manager Hector Tabilisma said that around 400 electric poles were either destroyed or toppled down during typhoon “Tisoy” and have to be replaced.

A total of 120 linemen from 10 electric cooperatives throughout the region have been deployed to affected areas and are working 12 hours a day to expedite restoration works.

As of 10 December, NGCP has energized 3 substations — the Bobon Substation, Allen Substation and Laoang Substation — bringing back electricity in 20 municipalities.

Energized towns are Catarman, Bobon, San Jose, Rosario, Mondragon, San Roque, Lope de Vega, Allen, Lavezares, Victoria, San isidro, Pambujan, Laoang, Mapanas, Gamay, Lapinig and some areas in Silvino Lubos, Catubig and Las Navas.

Areas that are not yet energized are some parts of Catubig, Las Navas and Catubig and the island municipalities of Biri, Capul and San Vicente, wherein Tabilisma said linemen are working hard to restore electricity in these areas before the holidays.

NGCP’s task is to ensure that the country’s transmission lines are in optimal condition to convey safe, quality and reliable electricity, while Norsamelco takes care of the distribution lines to the household consumers.