The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is reinforcing its transmission infrastructure in regions frequently battered by super typhoons, upgrading wind resistance ratings to enhance reliability.
NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza said that the upgrades are focused on areas such as the Samar provinces, Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, Surigao provinces, and Agusan provinces, which are often hit by destructive storms.
She mentioned that upgrading all transmission towers would be too expensive, so instead, NGCP conducts thorough assessments to identify typhoon paths and prioritize resources to strengthen towers in these high-risk areas.
Before Super Typhoon Yolanda devastated Eastern Visayas in 2013, NGCP’s towers were designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour (kph). New transmission lines are now being constructed to endure winds of up to 300 kph, ensuring power transmission reliability even during extreme weather events.
Alabanza underscored the urgency of replacing outdated transmission lines in typhoon-prone areas, noting that lines with lower wind ratings typically take two months to replace.
She added that with the increasing frequency of super typhoons and other hazards, the transmission system must continually improve its preventive measures, adopt the “build back better” principle after disasters, and even aim to build better infrastructure from the start.
NGCP, the sole operator of the country’s transmission network, manages over 21,000 circuit kilometers of transmission lines, 20,000 towers, and 140 substations. Its infrastructure connects power generators to distribution utilities, ensuring electricity reaches homes across the nation.
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