The Department of Energy (DOE) said yesterday that initial investigation showed that some wires had been detached from the capacitor voltage transformer (CVT) of the ageing Agus 7 hydropower plant, causing Easter Sunday’s blackout in Mindanao.
Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla admitted though that there are still some “missing pieces of the puzzle” which he assigned to be investigated by National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) President Rolando T. Bacani.
Speaking at a press conference, Petilla said that at this point he would rather refrain from pointing an accusing finger at any party or industry player over the technical glitch.
Hence, the DOE secretary zeroed-in on the Agus plant, emphasizing that it is a 40-year-old facility.
“The equipment at the Agus plant was installed way back in 1975,” said Petilla. “There had been no indications that it was a sabotage… but you also have to take into account that it (equipment) is 40 years old.”
Manila Bulletin
