NGCP assesses Covid-19 impact on projects, operations

By Lenie Lectura – March 13, 2020
from Business Mirror

THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is currently assessing the impact of Covid-19 on the implementation of its projects across the country.

In fact, the grid operator said it has put on an extended hold the delivery of critical construction and transmission equipment from vendors and manufacturers in the countries affected by the Covid-19.

Among the major transmission projects cited by the NGCP include the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection, Western Luzon 500kV Backbone, Mindanao 230kV Backbone, San Jose-Quezon 230kV transmission line and various projects aimed at addressing low voltage in all the grids.

To mitigate further the impact of the disease on project deadlines and its overall effect on power transmission operations, the NGCP cited a contingency plan that includes the use of existing NGCP equipment in stock and resort to other suppliers not affected by Covid-19.

NGCP is also evaluating the implementation of the following additional measures: maintenance rescheduling, except for Grid Operating and Maintenance Program (GOMP); isolation of entrance to control centers, substations, and backup control centers; and provision of transportation, board, and lodging for dispatchers and substation engineers.

Antivirus steps

Meantime, the grid operator is implementing these measures: cancellation of official travels to affected countries and non-essential large events, protocol on employees returning from abroad, stricter procedure on entry of guests, and introduction of alternative approach to meetings, such as video conferencing, Skype/MS Teams call.

NGCP is also conducting regular sanitation of all workplaces, temperature checks prior to entry in its offices, and providing alcohol/hand sanitizers in all facilities’ points of entry. “Sanitation of frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, elevator buttons, and light switches will be done every hour, while surfaces like walls, doors, floors and ceilings will be sanitized after office hours. All work tools, including keyboards and telephones, meeting rooms, hallways and pantries will be cleaned and sanitized after office hours,” it said.

NGCP will continue to monitor the Covid-19 situation and provide updates for any significant development, it added.