NGCP warns kite hobbyists to steer clear of high-voltage power lines along the grid

THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has recorded 87 incidents of kites and strings entangled around highvoltage power transmission lines, most of which were reported during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period.

The grid operator warned that this could lead to power interruptions. As such, NGCP implores the public to do away with kite flying, a popular hobby among children and adults alike, and other activities near transmission lines which, it emphasized, could endanger lives.

“These rising incidents of kite entanglements comes at a period where electricity is crucial in the ongoing efforts to combat Covid-19. Breaching safety clearances not only threatens power transmission delivery for the entire grid, but also endangers the lives of kite flyers,” NGCP said.

“Transmission lines carry extremely high voltages, between 69,000 volts and 500,000 volts. Compare this to the power supplied by our outlets, which is only 220 volts. Lines also need not be physically touched to cause accidents,” the grid operator warned.

It cited an eight-hour emergency shutdown of NGCP’S Las-piñas-dasmariñas 230 kv line last April 25. While no customers were affected, the reliability of the grid was compromised at that time.

While power demand dropped during the ECQ period, the downgrading to general community quarantine (GCQ) in the National Capital Region and the gradual resumption of commercial and industrial operations have steadily increased demand for power.

To ensure uninterrupted power delivery services, NGCP is appealing for the prohibition of kite flying, grass burning activities, and malicious planting of vegetation below or within the transmission right of way corridor.

The company also strongly encourages the public to implement efficient energy use practices in order to prevent demand-induced power shortages.

The NGCP also assured its customers and stakeholders that its transmission facilities are adequate for the delivery of any and all available power to the grid.

“As we brace for the gradual resumption of our daily routine, we can expect a rise in power demand. Under the Epira, we cannot intervene on generation or distribution issues. What we can guarantee is the readiness of our transmission facilities to deliver available power to where it is needed,” NGCP stated.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and Vice Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr. and Co-vice Chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr.