Trees and
vegetation that grow or are planted inside or adjacent to NGCP’s existing
transmission line right-of-way (ROW) are known to cause trippings or power
outages when they breach prescribed safety clearances for high-voltage power
lines.
NGCP
singled out Mindanao, specifically the Balo-i area, as particularly troublesome
for NGCP. “Clearing of trees and vegetationunder the 138-kiloVolt (kV) transmission
lines emanating from NGCP’s Balo-i Substation has become difficult because of
uncooperative landowners. For January 2013 alone, the Balo-i-Agus 2 138-kV line
already tripped seven (7) times because of trees deliberately planted by
unscrupulous landowners beneath the lines. That’s 7 times in 3 weeks!,” said
NGCP Spokesperson Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza.
NGCP’s Balo-i
Substation and lines emanating from it are facilities crucial to the entire
Mindanao grid because the bulk of the power generated from the government’s Agus
Complex enters the grid through the said substation. The Agus Complex supplies 500
MW to the Mindanao grid, representing about 60% of the island’s total current supply.
At least 200MW consumed by South Mindanao passes through NGCP’s Balo-i
Substation and the transmission lines emanating from it.
Alabanza
added, “It’s not simply a question of making our work easier. The ROW
violations also imply additional cost to the company because we have to clear
the land of vegetation and structures before we can perform maintenance work. In
cases where the ROW violations cause damage to facilities, the cost implication
multiplies. There is the cost of repairs and restoration, in addition to the
cost of additional manpower and manhours which could have been utilized for
more inspection and maintenance activities.”
In
addition to operational problems, NGCP also warned the public of the safety
hazards for ROW violators. Transmission lines are open lines that carry a
minimum of 69,000 volts and a maximum of 500,000 volts. “You don’t even have to
touch the lines to be electrocuted. Electricity
induction may occur once the safe clearance is breached. In other words, if you get near enough, even
without touching the lines, you are in danger of being electrocuted,” Alabanza
explained.
“Our
lines carry electricity that is more than 300 times the powerof the electricity
flowing in our households, which is just 220 volts. Breaching our safety
clearances can be fatal,” warned Alabanza.
As a
preventive measure, NGCP conducts regular safety information campaigns all over
the country through print and broadcast media. They also conduct information
and safety forums at the barangay level in communities traversed by their
facilities to remind the public to take extra precautions when near the
transmission lines. NGCP also coordinates with LGUs for help in getting word to
the public about the risks and hazards of living under their lines.
“At
the end of the day, ROW violations affect our power delivery service. In turn,
the distribution utilities and the public at large suffer and are most affected,”
said Alabanza.
Responsible trimming of trees and
vegetation within the transmission line ROW is part of regular operation and
maintenance procedures done by linemen. The Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR)has granted NGCP the authority to prune or cut any or
all vegetation or trees that could cause trippings and outages of existing
transmission lines where and when necessary.
NGCP is a
privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing
the country’s power grid. NGCP transmits high-voltage electricity through
“power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission
lines and towers, substations and related assets. NGCP’s regular maintenance
activities and expansion projects aim to enhance the reliability and quality of
electricity delivered to customers. (NGCP/PIA9-Zambo Sur/alt)
