By David Vera
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is upgrading its transmission infrastructure to withstand stronger winds in regions frequently affected by typhoons, a spokesperson said Tuesday.
Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson, announced that the upgrades focus on areas such as the Samar provinces, Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, and the Surigao and Agusan provinces—locations often hit by destructive storms.
“To upgrade all transmission towers nationwide would be cost-prohibitive, so we prioritize based on assessments of typhoon paths to allocate resources effectively,” Alabanza explained during a press briefing at the Summit Hotel.
Prior to the devastation of Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, NGCP’s towers were designed to endure wind speeds of 180 kilometers per hour (kph). Current upgrades will allow new overhead transmission lines to withstand winds of up to 300 kph, ensuring uninterrupted power transmission during severe storms.
Alabanza highlighted the need to replace older transmission lines in vulnerable regions promptly, as the process can take two months for towers with outdated wind ratings.
“In response to the increasing frequency of super typhoons and other hazards, we focus on implementing preventive measures, reducing risks, and adhering to the ‘build back better’ principle after disasters—or, better yet, building stronger infrastructure from the start,” she said.
The NGCP operates the country’s only transmission network, comprising over 21,000 circuit kilometers of lines, 20,000 transmission towers, and 140 substations. This network connects power generators to distribution utilities and electric cooperatives, facilitating the delivery of electricity to end-users.