Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Meralco bats for ‘easier access’ at NAIA premises



by Myrna Velasco April 5, 2016

Power distribution utility Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has been batting for easier access at the premises of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) so any required repair or electricity service restoration can be expedited.
The company also indicated willingness to help the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to help modernize their electricity service facilities so they can keep pace with the ‘more advanced and demanding needs’ of airport operations.
Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga noted that with ease of access at their electrical equipment and facilities, the recent blackout incident that practically shut down the international airport could be avoided in the future.
The recent massive power interruptions at NAIA’s terminal 3 had nothing to do with Meralco’s service, but more of an internal ‘loadside problem’ of the airport’s electric supply systems.
Zaldarriaga emphasized that in a press briefing called by the airport supervising agency, among the agreements drawn will be for the MIAA to “provide special protocol to Meralco to access key facilities during emergency situations.”
He explained that with this pact, it will “enable Meralco to respond faster during critical situations.”
The utility firm also recommended the conduct of technical audit and for Meralco “to monitor and control remotely (their systems) for faster response time and better view of the situation.”
Nevertheless, Zaldarriaga noted that such venture will have to go through regulatory approval first – primarily that of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) – before they could materialize.
In a public message, Meralco has suggested that MIAA “should install “modern smart switcher at NAIA terminals.”
Technology innovation is also an ‘in thing’ in service improvements in the energy sector – and this is highly advocated especially for vital installations, such as airports.
It must be noted that power supply at NAIA-3 bogged down over the weekend, when its generator sets failed to work at supply restoration phase following a 45-second power substation tripping. The blackouts last for five (5) grueling hours.

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