by Myrna Velasco May 13, 2016
(updated)
Taking a bit of break from its usual
right-of-way (ROW) complaints, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines
(NGCP) is taking its information drive this time against grassfire incidents
that may affect the reliability and efficient operation of its transmission
facilities.
“NGCP is going all out in informing
the public of the damages and adverse effects of grassfires on transmission
facilities,” the company has noted.
In a media statement, NGCP explained
that “not only is grassfire hazardous to the health of the people, it also
poses a threat to power transmission facilities, particularly wood poles.”
The transmission firm added “if
these structures are burnt, our transmission services might be interrupted.”
Grassfire incidents, according to
the company, could be a prevalent threat especially with the anticipated peak
of the El Nino phenomenon throughout the stretch of summer this year.
NGCP similarly reminded that as
experienced in the past, “smoke from grassfires alone can cause tripping of
transmission lines.”
It explicated that “the fire does
not have to physically touch the line for it to trip. The thick smoke alone can
trigger these lines to trip and cause power interruption.”
In a related development, NGCP
hailed the quick response of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Cagayan,
that in effect had averted a grassfire incident that could have adversely
affected transmission facilities.
“Last April 3, a wood pole was burnt
along one of NGCP’s transmission lines in the province. Fortunately, the
incident did not result in a tripping,” the company said. Transmission lines
underpinning the power system in Cagayan, Kalinga Apayao and some parts of
Isabela were reported to have been vulnerable.
NGCP expounded “the integrity of
these lines is threatened by grassfires which, per field reports, are usually
formed by farmers especially during the summer season.”
The company thus reiterated its
appeal to the public “to stop these unsafe practices near transmission lines so
power interruptions are avoided.” (MMV)
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