NGCP to clear 7 Mindanao power lines

MANILA, Philippines – At least seven transmission lines in Mindanao need to be cleared of obstructions to ensure reliable power supply on election day, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said yesterday.

These are the Agus 2 -Kibawe 138-kiloVolt line, Agus 1-Agus 2 138-kV line, Baloi-Agus 6 138-kV line, Baloi-Agus 6 69k-V line, Baloi-Tagoloan 138-kV line, Baloi-IDPP 138-kV line and Baloi-Aurora 138-kV line.

The NGCP said it has energized the Agus 2-Baloi 138- kV line on Tuesday after clearing right-of-way obstructions.

Some landowners are preventing the NGCP from conducting maintenance work while others demand exorbitant amounts as payment for the improvement under the power lines, the NGCP said.

NGCP has sought a blanket authority and a special permit from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to clear power line corridors with ”intentionally and maliciously planted trees.”

Permits are also needed for 83 transmission lines in 79 municipalities that remain vulnerable to transmission-related power interruptions as uncooperative land claimants refuse access to NGCP personnel to conduct clearing operations and maintenance work.

The Mindanao grid has also been plagued with bombings. On Tuesday night, Tower 25 of Agus 2-Kibawe 138-kV line in Lanao del Sur was bombed and toppled, the sixth this year. The NGCP said restoration of the tower would start as soon as the area has been secured.

Tower 25 was also bombed on Dec. 24. It took three months before it was restored.