NGCP Halts Maintenance to Secure 2025 Midterm Elections

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has suspended all maintenance and construction activities near power facilities beginning May 5 to safeguard power reliability during the May 12 midterm elections.

The move aligns with contingency measures outlined by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to ensure a stable and interruption-free power supply throughout the critical election period.

Maintenance and construction work inside substations and within 300 meters of energized transmission lines are paused from May 5 to May 16, while activities near substations are also on hold during this window.

NGCP reported that all transmission lines had been cleared of vegetation and obstructions as of April 30, with the exception of one in South Luzon, where trimming is delayed due to a land access dispute.

These actions conform with COMELEC Resolution No. 10999, issued on May 24, 2024, which details the election calendar and prohibited acts, and Resolution No. 11055, which defines agency responsibilities for a peaceful and credible election.

“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,” the corporation said in a statement.

Local absentee voting began April 28, while canvassing and proclamation of winners are scheduled from May 13 to 19.

NGCP cited the updated power outlook as showing sufficient electricity supply nationwide during the election week, with power plant maintenance schedules adjusted to ensure availability.

To further reinforce reliability, NGCP will activate its 24/7 Overall Command Center from May 11 to 8 p.m. on May 14, the day after the elections.

Critical divisions such as System Operations (SO) and Operations and Maintenance (O&M) will be fully staffed, and field personnel including line crews, engineers, and technical teams will be deployed to key substations.

Support teams and administrative staff will also remain on active duty to back frontline technical units.

Preparations began as early as February under NGCP’s Power Task Force Elections (PTFE), a dedicated unit tasked with fortifying grid security and reliability during the electoral period.

The Philippines’ power transmission network plays a vital role in ensuring the seamless operation of electronic vote transmission and the uninterrupted functioning of election facilities.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation that operates, maintains, and develops the country’s power transmission grid under a 25-year concession agreement awarded in 2009.

The midterm elections on May 12 will determine national and local officials, including members of the Senate, House of Representatives, governors, and mayors.