Construction of 230kV S.E.-Laoag tower nears completion

LAOAG CITY, Sept. 5 – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) assured electric consumers that the 230kV San Esteban-Laoag power line here will be completed before the end of September.

NGCP Spokesperson and head of the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Department, Atty. Cynthia P. Alabanza said that the new line will augment the 115kV San Esteban-Laoag City grid which delivers electricity to Ilocos Norte. The 230kV line will be the second tower with two circuits that will connect the North Luzon grid to Laoag City.

Alabanza, however, lamented that aside from the weather condition, which is the main reason for the delay, the NGCP personnel had difficulty in claiming the right of way because residents were opposed to the construction.

To address the issue, Alabanza requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Ilocos Norte to draft a local ordinance to inform the landowners of the NGCP’s claim and consequently submit their land for the construction.

“It would be a great help for the NGCP and for the benefit of all,” Alabanza said.

Meanwhile, NGCP disclosed that the toppled 115kV tower was due to the strong flow of water brought by flood on August 23 at the height of typhoon Ineng.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee R. Marcos said that the NGCP should made necessary precaution to avoid the incident noting that the NGCP’s towers were quite old including the toppled tower which was already about 20-30 years old.

The NGCP, however, claimed that the damage was due to fortuitous event or force majeure, and was out of human control.

he corporation added that their personnel are doing the maintenance constantly to ensure good services to the public. (CHERRY JOY D. GARMA/PIA-1/Ilocos Norte)