NGCP halts substation maintenance, clears lines ahead of 2025 elections
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has suspended all maintenance activities for substations and conducted obstruction clearing in areas near power and transmission lines in preparation for the 2025 midterm elections.
According to the NGCP, this temporary halt on maintenance began last May 5 and will resume on May 16, a few days after the voting period.
This means no construction and non-critical maintenance work are allowed inside substations and within 300 meters of power and transmission lines during this time. This is part of their contingency measures, aligning with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
“All transmission lines were cleared of vegetation and obstructions as of April 30, except for one line in South Luzon. Scheduled vegetation trimming along that line is still being negotiated with an uncooperative landowner,” the NGCP stated.
The NGCP emphasized its role as a grid corporation in ensuring uninterrupted and reliable power transmission on voting day.
“NGCP is strictly following its contingency measures and coordinating with concerned groups to ensure a power interruption-free election, especially during the crucial periods prescribed by the COMELEC,” they added.
Furthermore, NGCP assured a sufficient power supply based on the outlook for the coming week. To prepare for any transmission challenges, they will activate 24/7 operations at their Overall Command Center from May 11 to 14, including the System Operations (SO) and the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) teams.
“Line crews, engineers, pilots, maintenance and testing personnel, and other technical staff are also strategically positioned in substations to respond to any line trippings. Administrative and other support teams will also remain on duty,” NGCP assured.
On Tuesday, the Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) also assured that there is an ample power supply to meet the growing demand during the elections and that it would even last for the next six months. They noted that the most recent spot market prices had dropped from ₱5.34 to ₱4.52 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in April.