NGCP acquires temporary transmission towers for incoming cyclones

With more cyclones expected to visit the country, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines has acquired temporary transmission towers to make sure it can quickly resume its services after a typhoon.

In a news release, the NGCP said the towers, dubbed Emergency Restoration System (ERS), can be used for urgent restoration activities, usually "after a typhoon."

"The towers are lightweight and take shorter time to assemble compared to a conventional transmission tower," it said.

NGCP added the new ERS model is lighter and has smaller cross-sectional dimensions - making it easier, faster, and safer to transport and erect.

"Despite its light weight, the ERS structures are strong and durable, and can withstand typhoon windspeed," NGCP said.

Also, the NGCP said it is learning from its previous experiences on restoring transmission facilities damaged by typhoons.

It said it is complementing the new towers with training and familiarization courses for its personnel including chief engineers, line engineers, line foremen, and linemen.

One training session to familiarize the personnel with the new model was held June 30 to July 4 at NGCP’s Mexico Substation in Pampanga.
 
“This will definitely change the way we restore transmission facilities. Improvement, in terms of efficiency and speed, of our restoration process will benefit not just NGCP and its direct customers, but more importantly, the power consumers,” NGCP president and CEO Henry Sy Jr. said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News