‘Kristine’ downs 6 transmission lines

Manila: The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) reported that six 69 kilovolt (kV) transmission lines in the Visayas and Luzon have gone out as of 2 p.m. Tuesday amid the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine. Five of the unavailable transmission lines are in the Visayas - the Paranas-Quinapondan 69kV Line, affecting the Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative's (Esamelco) franchise areas; the Maasin-Baybay 69kV Line, affecting the Leyte IV Electric Cooperative (Leyeco IV); the Ormoc-San Isidro 69kV Line, affecting Leyeco III, Leyeco V, Biliran Electric Cooperative (Bileco), and the Don Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative (Dorelco); the Calbayog-Bliss 69kV Line, affecting Samar Electric Cooperative (Samelco); and the Calbayog-Allen 69kV Line, affecting Northern Samar Electric Cooperative franchise areas. In Luzon, the Pitogo-Mulanay 69kV Line is currently down, affecting consumers in Quezon Electric Cooperative (Quezelco I). 'NGCP has mobilized its line crews and is currently conducting patrols to i nspect and assess the impact of the tropical storm to its operations and facilities. Simultaneous restoration activities are also being conducted in areas already accessible,' NGCP said. It has yet to determine the target restoration date of the unavailable transmission lines. Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it is ready to respond to electricity service concerns that may arise due to Kristine. 'Our crews are on standby 24/7, ready to respond to any possible electricity service concern,' Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe Zaldarriaga said, adding that the company is closely monitoring its franchise areas that have been placed under storm signal. 'We also reiterate our call to the public to observe safety measures when using electrical devices and appliances, especially when there is flooding,' he said. Meralco customers may report power interruptions through its official social media pages on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter; text their concerns via 0920- 971 6211 and 0917-5516211; or call the Meralco Hotline at 16211 and 8631-1111. Source: Philippines News Agency