NGCP warns on dangers of trespassing on transmission areas

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the operator of the country’s power transmission line, has warned the public on the dangers of trespassing on transmission area perimeters.

NGCP has launched a campaign stressing the dangers of various activities near transmission towers.

These include kite ßying, planting trees, parking vehicles, building structures such as houses or buying and selling pilfered tower parts.

“Kite-flying near transmission lines as well as climbing transmission structures may cause accidents and electrocution,” NGCP said in its information campaign.

“When passing transmission structures, do not carry long sticks or any object that might get near or come in contact with the power transmission lines,” NGCP also said.

The transmission operator said citizens should immediately report to NGCP any incident of leaning and damaged poles or towers as well as sagging power lines and identify its poles or tower numbers.

More importantly, NGCP reminded the public not to build a fire near or under transmission structures. “Fire could cause power interruptions in your area,” NGCP said. The grid operator has been rehabilitating and upgrading its existing facilities to ensure safety in the various areas where the transmission lines and substations are located. It has also been stepping up efforts to educate the public on how to stay safe in areas where transmission lines exist.

In May, a bushfire hit NGCP’s transmission line in Talisay, Batangas, leading to a system-wide power outage in Luzon.