NGCP transmission lines operational despite heavy rains

MANILA, Philippines - Major power transmission lines of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) remained intact and operational amid torrential rains last week.

“Except for a few landslide-affected transmission line structures in Bataan rated at 69 kilovolts (kV), all other power transmission lines and substations of NGCP across the country remain operational,” the company said in a statement.

The transmission lines were fully operational even as heavy monsoon rains and massive flooding hit the National Capital Region and some parts of Northern and Southern Luzon, NGCP added.

Major transmission lines refer to grid backbone facilities that carry at least 230 kV of electricity.

The facilities transmit high-voltage electricity from power producers to distribution utilities like Manila Electric Co. that breaks down the power to household-consumable levels.

The NGCP, for its part, said it had prepared for instances of inclement weather.

Specifically, NGCP said the Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) ensured that the necessary preparations and precautions have been implemented.

Hence, the IDAP minimized “the impact of heavy rains and other natural calamities on NGCP operation and facilities,” the transmission service provider said.

NGCP’s preparations included ensuring the availability of hardware materials and supplies necessary for the repair of damages to facilities.

The company also positioned line crews in strategic areas to facilitate immediate restoration works.

Last week, five transmission line structures of the NGCP in Bataan were damaged by a landslide caused by heavy monsoon rains.

Affected power customers were the Peninsula Electric Cooperative-Morong and Bataan Technopark Inc. as restoration works were hampered by widespread flooding in the area.

“In Bataan, linemen will continue line inspection and correction once the flood has subsided,” NGCP said.

The grid operator added that it will continue monitoring the weather and flooding conditions and their effects on power transmission facilities.