NGCP asks gov’t, military to intervene in right-of-way disputes

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – System operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the immediate assistance of the government and members of the Philippine Army to resolve right-of-way (ROW) disputes with landowners that have been largely blamed for the sustained tripping of the Agus 2-Kibawe Line.

In a statement released by its Northern Mindanao office, the NGCP said: “The tripping of the line was caused by a fallen tree cutting the line conductors. This leaves NGCP with only one line catering to the Agus 1 and 2 power plants and threatening the entire Mindanao island with complete isolation from these hydropower plants should the remaining line become unavailable.”

The same statement said the situation was further aggravated as landowners are refusing to allow NGCP personnel entry into their properties to clear and restore these lines which are vital to the grid.

“It has become the practice of some uncooperative landowners to intentionally plant trees or build structures under high voltage transmission lines, and demand for recompense when we seek entry into the property to conduct maintenance activities. The trees and other structures under our facilities breach our safety clearances and endanger the reliability of the entire grid,” the NGCP said.

The company is sending an urgent request to the Department of Energy (DOE) and Philippine Army to assist in the negotiations with landowners and clearing of the lines, respectively, as soon as possible. The frequent dips in voltage and frequency severely affect both household appliances and industrial equipment.