ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Power rates are expected to increase in November as a result of the toppling of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ tower by explosion on Monday, Oct. 24.
The advisory came from the New Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) which condemned the bombing of its Tower No. 8 as ‘violent acts done by rebellious entities.’
The bombing affected power supply in Zamboanga City and other Zamboanga Peninsula areas serviced by the NGCP.
The rate increase stemmed from a decision by the local power cooperative to source additional megawatts from a power producer to avoid power outages in the city.
In a statement, Elizabeth Ladaga, NGCP Spokesperson, said the bombing led to the tripping of NGCP’s Baloi-Aurora 138KV transmission line at 4:50 p.m. and resulting in a Manual Load Dropping (MLD) to prevent an overloading of the remaining line.
“This incident has greatly affected the NGCP area of responsibility, including Zamcelco, lowering the latter’s nomination from 101MW to 88MW. To avoid rotational brownouts, Zamcelco increased its nomination to WMPC (Western Mindanao Power Corporation) from 20MW to 50MW for two days,” added the Zamcelco advisory.
Meanwhile, the NGCP has commenced work on the toppled Tower No. 8 in Sitio San Isidro, Barangay Bagombayan, Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on Tuesday.
The tower was believed to have been bombed by lawless elements using an improvised explosive device.
Ladaga has warned individuals that the conduct of suspicious activities near or within the vicinity of transmission lines is punishable by an imprisonment of up to 12 years and a penalty of up to P200,000.