ILOILO CITY, May 6(PIA)—The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said it has put in place measures to ensure that the country’s power supply is geared up for the May polls.
In a presentation during a forum facilitated by the PIA recently, Ben Doreza, NGCP operations and maintenance head in Iloilo, said the NGCP has already implemented its contingency plan.
Among these contingency measures were the deployment of facilities and resources and the coordination with the Department of Energy (DOE) to monitor the power outlook for the May 2016 elections.
“We are aligning our efforts with the DOE and the rest of the power industry to ensure a blackout-free elections,” Doreza said.
“This is also to ensure sufficient supply and reserves,” he added.
NGCP is suspending line and equipment maintenance and testing activities two weeks before the elections and will suspend it for another week after the elections.
“This is to make sure that facilities are online and available fro, casting to counting of votes,” Doreza added.
As to right-of-way clearing operations which has become its major problem recently, the NGCP has exerted more efforts to address this by coordinating with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Works and Highways, for its lines to be clear of illegal transactions.
The NGCP is implementing this measure with Comelec Resolution 10067 as legal basis, and in coordination with the PNP, AFP and the local government units.
In a press release, NGCP said that it has recently conducted its annual Table-top Blackout Drill to simulate blackout scenarios, and review its protocols and procedures during such cases.
Meanwhile, Mr. Doreza said NGCP will activate its Overall Command and Control Center in its headquarters, regional and district offices 24/7 a day before and after elections.
“These command and control centers will also serve as the energy sector’s main monitoring and information centers,” Doreza said. (JCM/ESS/PIA-Iloilo)