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[av_heading heading=’Proposed ordinance targets obstructions near power lines ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=” av-medium-font-size-title=” av-small-font-size-title=” av-mini-font-size-title=” av-medium-font-size=” av-small-font-size=” av-mini-font-size=” admin_preview_bg=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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ILOILO – A proposed provincial ordinance seeks to regulate or prohibit the planting of high-growing species of plants and/or construction of structures below or within the right-of-way of power transmission and distribution lines.
Power outages are mostly due to the obstructions on power lines such as trees and other hazardous structures or improvements constructed below or near power transmission and distribution lines, according to Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Leicel Seville.
These vegetation and man-erected structures, however, do not only hamper the smooth delivery of power; they endanger the lives of people, too, especially during bad weather, added the chairperson of the SP committee on cooperatives and nongovernmental organizations.
“A successful and efficient power delivery program could be readily achieved through clean and safe lines free from obstructions of whatever kind,” read a part of Seville’s proposed ordinance.
The proposed ordinance covers all power transmission lines and distribution lines of the National Transmission Corp., National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, power distribution utilities and electric cooperatives.
Violators of the proposed ordinance will be made to pay a fine of P1,000 for the first offense; P2,000 and imprisonment for a period of not more than 10 days for the second offense; and P15,000 and imprisonment of 15 days for the third and succeeding offenses.
The constant unannounced power interruptions in Iloilo province were mostly due to heavy vegetation encroaching power lines and electric posts, according to the general managers of Iloilo Electric Cooperative (Ileco) 1, 2 and 3.
“These are beyond our control,” said Rhea Palacios of Ileco 1.
She placed at “80 percent” the brownouts caused by swaying trees, creeping vines and the animals that inhabit them like geckos, snakes and birds.
Palacios and the general managers of Eleco 2 and 3 were summoned to the Provincial Board in June this year and made to explain the frequent brownouts.
“People laugh when they hear our explanation but it’s true,” said Palacios.
She also offered a solution – clearing the areas around electric posts and power lines.
“If you live near electric posts or power lines, please help clear the surroundings. It’s for your own benefit, too,” she said./PN
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