DOE urges NGCP to hasten repair of Luzon-Samar transmission line

The Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to fast-track the repair of a transmission line connecting Luzon grid to Samar.

Energy Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella said this is to allow the Luzon grid to contribute to the power requirements in areas hit by a magnitude-6.5 earthquake in Jaro, Leyte on Thursday.

"We have to push for them (NGCP) to repair HVDC (high-voltage direct current) Luzon-Samar line," Fuentebella said at a briefing in Taguig City.

Fuentebella made the statement when asked if the DOE would compel the grid operator to allow Luzon grid to share power to Samar and Leyte provinces.

"Sira din kasi 'yung Luzon-Samar line, ang alam ko it was destroyed during the earthquake," Fuentebella said.

As temporary solution to power outages in the aftermath of the tremor, the NGCP earlier said it was creating a bypass line that would allow electricity from Cebu to supply quake-hit areas Samar, Leyte, and Bohol.

Fuentebella said the NGCP must also hasten the repair of its transmission lines and towers to ensure the permanent restoration of power in the affected areas.

"Kasi temporary lang 'yung mga bypass line... so lahat ng transmission facilities dapat maayos," Fuentebella said. —NB, GMA News