NGCP contingency measures all set for upcoming midterm elections
NGCP is suspending all maintenance activities beginning 05 May 2025, in line with contingency plans set by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the upcoming national and local elections on 12 May.
Construction and non-critical maintenance activities near substations and transmission lines are temporarily suspended from 05-16 May.
Maintenance works and construction activities inside substations and within 300 meters of energized power lines are suspended from 05-16 May. All transmission lines were cleared of vegetation and obstructions as of April 30, except for one line in South Luzon. Scheduled vegetation trimming along the said line is still being negotiated with the uncooperative landowner.
These contingency measures are set by NGCP to be consistent with the timeline of activities set by the COMELEC in its Resolution No. 10999 dated 24 May 2024 prescribing the calendar of activities and prohibited acts in line with the national elections, and Resolution No. 11055 dated 13 September 2024 setting the roles of different agencies in ensuring the peaceful and credible conduct of the mid-term elections.
Local absentee voting started on 28 April 2025, while canvassing and proclamation of winners are set from 13-19 May 2025. Uninterrupted and reliable transmission of power must be ensured during this critical period, thus warranting maintenance works and shutdowns to be put on hold.
“NGCP is strictly following its contingency measures and coordinating with concerned groups to ensure a power interruption-free election, especially during the crucial periods prescribed by the COMELEC,” said NGCP.
Based on the updated power outlook, there is sufficient supply on the critical election weeks. Maintenance activities of power plants were also adjusted to ensure their availability during this period.
NGCP will activate the 24/7 operations of its Overall Command Center from 11 May until 8:00PM of 14 May 2025, and its critical units, particularly System Operations (SO) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M), will remain fully staffed and operational. Line crews, engineers, pilots, maintenance and testing, and other technical personnel are also strategically positioned in substations to respond to line trippings, if any. Administrative and other support teams will also remain on duty.
As early as February, NGCP’s Power Task Force Elections (PTFE), a special team formed to ensure the security and reliability of the transmission network across the country during the elections, already set out with preparatory activities.
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