Power lines in Luzon, Visayas down due to Kristine — NGCP

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Tuesday said several power lines in Luzon and the Visayas were rendered unavailable due to Tropical Storm Kristine.

As of 2 p.m., October 22, the NGCP said the following transmission lines are unavailable:

Luzon

Pitogo-Mulanay 69kV Line - Date/Time Out: October 22, 2024 / 9:44 a.m., customer affected: QUEZELCO I

Visayas

Paranas - Quinapondan 69kV Line - Date/Time Out: October 22, 2024 / 12:55 a.m., customer affected: ESAMELCO

Maasin - Baybay 69kV Line - Date/Time Out: October 22, 2024 / 1:07 a.m., customer affected: LEYECO IV

Ormoc - San Isidro 69kV Line - Date/Time Out: October 22, 2024 / 9:38 a.m., customer affected: BILECO, LEYECO III, DORELCO, LEYECO V

Calbayog - Bliss 69kV Line - Date/Time Out: October 22, 2024 / 9:56 a.m., customer affected: SAMELCO I

Calbayog - Allen 69kV Line - Date/Time Out: October 22, 2024 / 11:02 a.m., customer affected: SAMELCO I, NORSAMELCO 

NGCP said it has mobilized its line crews and is currently conducting patrols to inspect and assess the impact of the tropical storm on its operations and facilities.

“Simultaneous restoration activities are also being conducted in areas already accessible,” the grid operator said.

NGCP said that localized disturbances may be better addressed by your distribution utility.

“This also does not include lines exclusively serving directly connected industrial customers,” it said.

“Specific cities and municipalities affected by the unavailable transmission facility are determined by concerned Distribution Utilities, unless the outage affects the entire franchise area,” it added.

Meralco 

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco), meanwhile, assured its customers that its personnel are ready to respond to electricity service concerns that may arise due to Tropical Storm Kristine.

Meralco said it is closely monitoring the weather situation as parts of its franchise area have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1.

“Our crews are on standby 24/7, ready to respond to any possible electricity service concern,” said Meralco head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga.

“We also reiterate our call to the public to observe safety measures when using electrical devices and appliances, especially when there is flooding,” added Zaldarriaga.

Meralco listed the following safety measures:

• Ensure that the main electrical power switch or circuit breaker is off. Be sure to be dry when being in contact with any electrical facility.
• Unplug appliances from wall sockets. Turn off permanently connected equipment and unscrew all light bulbs if possible.
• Remove mud and dirt from service equipment or the main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes.
• Make sure that all electrical wires, connectors, and other wiring devices are completely dry.
• When all electrical wires and accessories have dried and are clean, the wiring system of all appliances must be checked by a licensed electrician. Do not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances.

Zaldarriaga also encouraged the public to keep all communication channels open and ready, and to charge mobile phones, laptops, radios, and other communication devices. Customers should tune in to public service radio stations in case of power interruptions. —RF, GMA Integrated News