NGCP seeks to upgrade lines damaged by Yolanda

MANILA, Philippines – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) wants to upgrade the Ormoc/Tongonan-Isabel transmission line, one of the worst-hit when Typhoon Yolanda unleashed its wrath in November 2013.

In an 8-page application with the Energy Regulatory Commission, the NGCP said there was an “urgent need” to implement the P709,326,825.21 (US$15.8 million)-project, which involves the construction of 74 new steel structures that will be able to withstand winds of over 300 km/h.

State weather bureau PAGASA earlier warned the NGCP that tropical cycles with maximum sustained winds of over 150 km/h and above would happen more often, making it necessary for transmission lines to adopt a new wind design.

The NGCP explained it implemented an interim scheme for the transmission line, creating a by-pass transmission line by creating transmission links between standing structures and the Isabel substation.

The steel pole structures, however, are only designed for lower voltage levels and are built over difficult terrain, increasing the possibility of outages.

The Ormoc line isn’t the only one NGCP wants to upgrade. In a separate application, the corporation also wants to upgrade the Panitan-Nabas transmission line at a cost of P933,774,191.90 ($20.9 million).

The project will involve the creation of 123 new steel towers. – Rappler.com

*US$1 = P44.69