2 cities, 10 towns in Isabela to have 10-hour power outage today

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – Despite assurances of enough power supply for the Luzon grid this summer, two cities and 10 towns in Isabela will experience a 10-hour power interruption today to give way to the repair of power facilities.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said the power outage from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. will affect the towns of Echague, Jones, San Agustin, San Guillermo, Alicia, Angadanan, Cabatuan, San Mateo, Ramon and Cordon and the cities of Cauayan and Santiago.

The scheduled power outage, according to the NGCP, would enable its technical personnel to conduct annual preventive maintenance and testing of substation equipment at the Ilagan substation, simultaneous with the replacement of selected wood poles and line hardware along the Reina Mercedes-Naguilian 69kV line segment.

Gaydowen said the entire province of Quirino and Alfonso Lista town in Ifugao are also experiencing a 10-hour power outage today.

“Normal operations will resume immediately after the completion of all scheduled maintenance (works),” said Lilibeth Gaydowen, NGCP North Luzon corporate communication and public affairs chief.

Earlier, the NGCP had assured the public of enough power reserves in the country, especially in the Luzon grid these summer months when electricity consumption is expected to increase.

The NGCP, however, said power interruptions would still occur to pave the way for maintenance and repair works of power equipment to ensure the normal flow of power distribution.

Meanwhile, the NGCP advised communities not to go near power lines and towers to prevent themselves from being electrocuted.

“Transmission line-related accidents usually occur during the summer season because this is when the public, especially children on vacation fly kites. Grass fires also usually occur during summer. We are reminding the public to be careful to avoid accidents,” said lawyer Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP national spokesperson.

The NGCP’s transmission lines, she said, carry high voltage power and violating or breaching the safety clearance of the right of way would greatly affect not only their operations but also public safety.

Alabanza said electrocution, accidents, and line trippings or interruptions are all damaging to the NGCP, the victims, and ultimately the power consumers.

“We ask for the public’s cooperation to help lessen, if not eliminate transmission line-related accidents in the future,” she said.