Power grid operator seeks travel ban exemption, says critical infrastructure is at stake

MANILA – The Philippine power grid operator appealed to the government to exempt its suppliers and shipments from the travel ban imposed to prevent the entry of the most contagious new strain of the novel coronavirus.

The Philippine National Grid Corporation said its critical transmission projects aimed at improving the country’s power grid will face delays due to the ban.

“The undersea cable laying activity for the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project, for example, faces further delays because the vessel carrying said transmission equipment cannot enter the country due to the travel ban,” the company said. .

The Philippines imposed a multi-country travel ban on Tuesday to prevent the spread of a new, more contagious coronavirus variant first detected in the UK.

NGCP said it is asking the government to allow its suppliers, as well as shipments of essential transmission equipment, to enter the country, while observing all security protocols and strict adherence to health regulations.

“NGCP understands the need to control the virus and prevent the new strain from affecting our people, but there must also be creative ways to balance health problems with the need to keep the economy afloat,” said the power grid operator. .

“Critical NGCP projects cannot face further delays, as this may have an implication on the stability and reliability of power transmission services, especially with the increasing demand for power. We hope this will also be taken into consideration.”