Avoid activities under transmission lines – NGCP

MANILA, Philippines – The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is appealing to the public to refrain from doing any activities near transmission lines to prevent power outages as electricity demand increases amid loose quarantine measures.

NGCP said it has recorded 87 incidents of kites entangled in transmission lines as of May 29, most of which were reported during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.

It said such activities caused power interruptions, including an eight-hour emergency shutdown of NGCP’s Las-Pinas-Dasmarinas 230kv line last April 25. While no customers were affected, the reliability of the grid was compromised at that time.

“These rising incidents of kite entanglements come at a period when electricity is crucial in the ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19. Breaching safety clearances not only threatens power transmission delivery for the entire grid, but also endangers the lives of kiteflyers,” NGCP said.

Transmission lines carry extremely high voltages, between 69,000 to 500,000 volts. Compare this to the power supplied by our outlets, which is only 220 volts. Lines also need not be physically touched to cause accidents,” it said.

While power demand dropped during the ECQ, the downgrading to general community quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region and the gradual resumption of commercial and industrial operations have steadily increased demand for power.

To ensure uninterrupted power delivery services, NGCP is appealing for the prohibition of kite flying, kaingin or grass burning activities, and malicious planting of vegetation below or within the transmission right of way corridor.

The company also strongly encourages the public to implement efficient energy use practices in order to prevent demand-induced power shortages.

These include removing plugs of appliances from outlets when not in use, using compact fluorescent lamps or LED bulbs, keeping the air conditioners at 25°C, regular cleaning of fan blades and airconditioner filters, defrosting of refrigerators, etc.

“As we brace for the gradual resumption of our daily routine, we can expect a rise in power demand. Under the EPIRA, we cannot intervene on generation or distribution issues. What we can guarantee is the readiness of our transmission facilities to deliver available power to where it is needed,” NGCP said.

The grid operator is encouraging people to report kite entanglements, high growing vegetation, and kaingin activities in the proximity of transmission lines and towers, through NGCP’s Tip Hotline at 0917 847 6427 or 0918 847 6427.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and Vice Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr. and Co-Vice Chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr.