NGCP speeds up repair on typhoon-damaged towers
By Myrna M. Velasco – April 13, 2022, 2:31 PM
from Manila Bulletin
Transmission firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has sped up restoration work on the power transmission towers that had been toppled down when tropical cyclone Agaton barreled the country early this week.
The company said it is undertaking repair work on steel towers that are already within accessible sites to NGCP personnel deployed on the ground – and these damaged facilities due to a landslide incident include those in Barangay Bunga, Baybay, Leyte, which are components of the Ormoc-Maasin 138 kilovolt line.
“NGCP deployed 13 line gangs or over 100 line personnel to conduct clearing and simultaneous restoration works in three tower sites, while one tower site remains inaccessible due to continued rains and unstable terrain,” it noted.
The transmission firm specified that it will be installing emergency restoration systems or ERS “to temporarily restore the isolated line, and transmit any and all available power to the province of Bohol.”
NGCP indicated that the targeted temporary restoration will be until Monday (April 18) although it qualified that the pace of repair works will depend on weather conditions in the area.
“As we wait for weather conditions to improve, the company is simultaneously preparing all resources needed to expedite restoration works, especially once we assess the remaining area,” the firm stressed.
NGCP emphasized that it has been coordinating with the relevant local government units (LGUs) and other concerned entities as to the extent of assistance needed for restoration of power supply in their respective jurisdictions.
And while power restoration activities are ongoing, NGCP has pleaded for the public’s cooperation and understanding so repair works could proceed without much hitches at the soonest possible time.
“NGCP will be providing an update when the last affected line is fully restored and energized, or should there be any significant development,” the transmission company said.
When strong Typhoon Odette struck several parts of Visayas in December last year, it took time for the industry players and the government to really bring back electricity service in the affected areas.
Apart from rehabilitation works at storm-crippled areas, NGCP has likewise been focusing efforts on making sure that next month’s election period will not be marred with electricity service interruptions.
