Energy sector, public urged to prepare for Typhoon Pepito

QUEZON CITY, Oct. 20 (PIA) - Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi reminds the entire energy sector and the public to prepare for Tropical Depression (TD) Pepito, which may intensify into a Tropical Storm before making landfall over the Isabela-Aurora area or the Aurora-Northern Quezon area tonight or early Wednesday morning, October 21.

Cusi emphasized the importance of strengthening the energy sector's disaster risk preparedness and response capabilities, especially since the country is visited by an average of 20 tropical cyclones per year.

The DOE-led Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) had already begun to monitor and alert its members and stakeholders.

Energy facilities situated along the path of TD Pepito were reminded to activate their respective action/contingency plans while taking into consideration the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary Cusi likewise reminded all power assets, specifically those located within the projected track of the TD to closely monitor the situation and coordinate with the concerned government agencies and local government units.

With regard to the downstream oil sector, the Energy chief asked oil companies to secure the prescribed fuel inventory levels, and protect consumers against delays in the delivery of energy services, most especially in areas heavily dependent on gasoline and diesel for their daily activities.

Secretary Cusi also reminded the public to immediately report any incidents concerning power supply facilities, and to practice the following E-Safety tips:

•Charge flashlights and mobile phones

•Be informed on the latest news updates

•Switch-off circuit breakers and other electrical systems to avoid electrocution, among other electrical mishaps

•After the typhoon, check electrical systems prior to using to avoid short circuits

"With the current pandemic, we must do all we can to prevent another disaster from happening. We could do this by remaining vigilant in our preparedness efforts. For the energy sector, this entails securing our energy facilities so they remain operational before, during, and even after the storm," Secretary Cusi concluded. (MTQ/PIA-IDPD with information from DOE)