February 2012 Vol. 02 Issue 02

CUSTOMER BULLETINNGCP adopts revised power factor adjustment mechanism

in this issue...

consultation meetings that we organized and all these are being considered in the final TDP draft.”

The TDP outlines the ongoing and future projects of NGCP within a 10-year period. Part of the TDP will be allotted to the major network capital expenditures (CAPEX) projects for the Third Regulatory Period (2011-2015).

The draft TDP outlines major challenges in the development of the country’s transmission backbone to include, among others:

• the need to upgrade inherited transmission facilities to comply with the N-1 criterion;

• addition of new system reinforcements to answer market demand;

• upgrade requirements for RAB-reverted 69 kV sub-transmission facilities;

• establishment of alternative transmission corridors; and

• heavy loading and space limitations at the substations especially in urban areas.

The draft also incorporates plans to accommodate all power plants approved by DOE in its Power Development Program, and the identification of ideal connection points for new power facilities to the transmission system. It also provides for

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) conducted nationwide public consultations on its most recent Transmission Development Plan (TDP) which outlines the transmission operator’s plans for the sector for the next 10 years.

Consultation meetings were held at the Sulô Hotel in Quezon City last January 5 (for Luzon stakeholders), Marco Polo Hotel in Davao City last January 10 (for Mindanao stakeholders), and Parklane Hotel in Cebu City last January 13 (for Visayas stakeholders).

The TDP is prepared and implemented by NGCP to expand, upgrade, rehabilitate, repair and maintain the nationwide transmission system, as mandated by R.A. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001. This plan is formed in consultation with electric power industry stakeholders such as generators, distribution utilities, customers directly connected to the grid, as well as local government units.

“The successful conduct of public consultations on the draft TDP enables us to involve the public – especially other stakeholders in the power sector – in the process of developing our plans for the next decade,” said Atty. Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ Spokesperson and Adviser for External Affairs.

“There was a very lively and active exchange of ideas during all of the

INDUSTRY NEWSEnergy-efficient lighting systems to generate up to P20 million in savings

AID FOR SENDONg VICTIMSNGCP gives all-out assistance to Cagayan De Oro and Iligan

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PARTNERSHIPSElectric coops and NGCP work together to upgrade linemen’s skills

SURVIVINg SENDONgNGCP’s Mindanao O&M Head Emmy Abellanosa’s passion to serve shines in the midst of adversity

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NGCP holds nationwide consultations on TDP

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CASURECO II OIC-general Manager Ms. Jane T. Barrameda, CPA

CUSTOMER IN FOCUS:

2MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

HENRY T. SY, JR.

Goal-setting and planning are vital undertakings for any organization to survive especially in a competitive business environment, more so for a company handling a very complex task of operating, maintaining, and developing a national transmission backbone.

As I have said many times before: “To whom much is given, much is expected.” This is one of the guiding principles behind our efforts to set grand targets for ourselves.

NGCP has been mandated with the duty of providing safe, reliable, and adequate electricity throughout the country, but we have committed ourselves to a higher goal – to become one of the best national power grids in Asia.

Given limited resources, effective planning is important to get where we want to go, using the shortest route possible. Here lies the value of the Transmission Development Plan (TDP) which is essentially the articulation of what we want to achieve in the next 10 years and how we plan to achieve them.

This latest installment of TransMissions provides a report on the status of our TDP for year 2011 onwards.

This issue also highlights activities related to the Employee Performance Feedback System (EPFS) which we have recently launched as part of our continuing efforts to motivate our people

to continue doing their best. This is an innovation that we have adopted to allow management to spot our high performers and reward them for their efforts.

In the coming months, we will also be rolling out more activities related to Project GRID – an integrated software which will help our staff and officers to better manage our processes and resources. After all, the realization of our goals rests on the shoulders of a highly-motivated, competent and empowered management and workforce.

As a key partner in ensuring the delivery of power to Filipino homes and businesses, we are likewise featuring efforts to collaborate with distribution utilities. We are particularly happy for the high turnout of participants from electric cooperatives in free trainings that we conduct to transfer NGCP’s expertise – especially in the areas

of line maintenance and management – to raise their capabilities in performing their role in the power supply chain.

Developing a reliable, strong, smart power grid is no easy task. But with proper execution –which starts in goal-setting and planning – and effective partnership with all the stakeholders, it can be done.

Email us your feedback at corpcomm@ngcp.ph and stay connected!

CUSTOMER IN FOCUS: CAMARINES SUR II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE (CASURECO-II)Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CASURECO II) was organized on August 10, 1975 and was already in full operation two years before it was granted a franchise to operate as a non-stock, non profit electric cooperative in 1979.

Its coverage area includes the city of

Naga and the municipalities of Pili, Milaor, Minalabac, Canaman, Magarao, Bombon, Calabanga, Tinambac and Siruma.

From 2007 until 2011, CASURECO II consistently posted a robust performance, buoyed by strong sales to big clients including AES Philippines, Therma Luzon

1. What are the best practices in running your business?CASURECO II was one of the first cooperatives to implement

an online (real-time) billing and collection system which we started in the late ‘90s. This system is bolstered further with the tie-up with collecting banks which made payment of bills more accessible to member-consumers.

CASURECO II also ventured into short messaging system (SMS) and website development to reach out to member-consumers. Complaints, news information, and other pertinent events are passed on to the consumers through different media, like newsletters (Sirang), television spots (An Satuyang Cooperativa), and radio programs.

2. What are the biggest challenges in the power distribution business?

As a non-stock and non-profit electric cooperative, CASURECO II is constantly being challenged by financial setbacks caused by the rise in capital expenditure and non-power costs. While movements in the economy can be instantaneous, we cannot instantly react to such impact since any increase in the corresponding rates need to be applied and filed with and approved by the ERC, which can take some considerable time.

Being a non-profit entity, the cooperative cannot set aside any profit or emergency fund to act as buffer in times of emergencies such as natural calamities and financial crises.

Lately, CASURECO II has also experienced setbacks with legal quandaries when certain consumer groups took the issue of rates to the local courts. It is within the jurisdiction of

the ERC. Such move has put shackles into the rates, which is the lifeline of the cooperative. Thus, for a considerable period, CASURECO II has been subsidizing losses due to the rates being implemented, which do not constitute the actual costs being remitted to the power suppliers.

3. How do you manage customer complaints?

There are many avenues for the reception of customer complaints – radio programs, e-mail, website, telephone, and face-to-face communication. The establishment of a one-stop-shop (similar to a call center setting) to handle complaints is also being planned.

The handling of complaints is centralized and specific complaints are then referred to the proper departments.

4. What are your medium and long-term expansion/improvement plans?

Substation and lines are already being upgraded to suit the demands of projected demand. Add to this, CASURECO is eyeing partnerships with the local government and private sector for the development of renewable energy within the franchise area to supply a percentage of the power requirements of CASURECO II which continues to see steady demand growth.

Given the 100% electrification in the barangay level, CASURECO II is striving to implement 100% electrification in the sitio level in cooperation with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and the government through its subsidy funding for rural electrification.

Inc., Bicol Mini-Hydro Power Corporation (BHPC) and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.

In this interview, OIC-General Manager Ms. Jane T. Barrameda, CPA shares CASURECO II’s best practices and plans for improving services to power consumers.

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

NGCP gives all-out assistance to Sendong-hit Cagayan de Oro, IliganDoing its fair share in the collective effort to help families recover from the devastation brought by tropical storm Sendong, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) extended financial assistance to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

NGCP President and CEO Henry T. Sy, Jr. donated P1 million each for the rehabilitation of the two cities that were hardest hit by the typhoon.

The turnover of the funds was made during the NGCP officials’ meeting with Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano and Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz on January 5.

Concerned for the welfare of many of its employees stationed at its Cagayan de Oro and Iligan district offices, NGCP officials from the Head Office in Quezon City also set aside time to visit and personally talk to the affected employees. A financial assistance of Php10,000 was given to each employee affected by the floods.

Mr. Sy was unable to join the trips to both cities but he sent no less than his daughter, Ms. Jan Sy, to Cagayan de Oro to personally see to it that the needs of employees were taken care of.

In Mr. Sy’s message to employees that was delivered by his daughter, the NGCP President and CEO said the management’s thoughts and prayers were with the affected employees during the tragic time of need.

“Kami po ay taos pusong nakikiramay sa inyo at kasama kayo at ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay sa aming mga panalangin. Inaasahan po namin na ang mga yumao sa trahedyang ito ay maluwag na tatanggapin sa kanlungan ng Diyos Maykapal. Bahagi rin ng aming taos pusong dasal ang inyong mabilisang pagbangon mula sa kalamidad

na ito,” Mr. Sy’s message read.Mr. Sy also commended the efforts of

employees from other regions who pooled their own resources to help Mindanao co-employees who were in need. He particularly praised those who experienced the wrath of tropical storm Sendong but still managed to help others.

He expressed hope and optimism for the NGCP family and stated that the employees’ sense of unity and cooperation, especially in times of calamities, will help NGCP face even greater challenges in the future. “Ang mahalaga, malagpasan natin ito ng nagtutulungan at nagdadamayan bilang isang pamilya, isang NGCP,” he said.

Prior to this donation on January 5, NGCP employees voluntarily contributed 106 boxes of relief goods (i.e. clothes and

canned goods) and cash contributions amounting to Php 409,030.00 to assist 159 fellow NGCP employees and their families in crisis in Iligan, Cagayan De Oro and some parts of Visayas.

NGCP management also provided the use of its hangar space in Cagayan de Oro for forensic examination on fatalities of the typhoon, and commissioned the use of a water pump and generator set to provide clean water and electricity to the public.

Typhoon Sendong triggered flashfloods in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, wiping out entire communities – leaving more than a thousand people dead and over 80,000 families displaced.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) estimated the total damages to infrastructure and agriculture to exceed P1.3 billion.

5. Now run by a private corporation, what are the improvements you’ve noticed in the transmission sector? What are the areas that still need improvement?

The biggest development following the transition is the significantly lower frequency of unscheduled interruptions. Further, NGCP has been pro-active in giving notices of scheduled power interruptions that range between three to 10 days ahead of schedule. The duration of the said power interruptions are also religiously being followed, as advised.

More so, the meter data that CASURECO II receives are on time and valid. It also helps that there are monthly meter data – protected by security checks – being sent to cooperatives via e-mail.

6. What is your message for NGCP as a partner in delivering reliable and affordable power to the Filipino people?

CASURECO II hopes that NGCP will continue delivering reliable and safe power to the Filipino people. Its corporate approach in the operation of the transmission network is a model that must be followed by all distribution utilities.

It would also be more helpful if the NGCP can impart its knowledge to the electric cooperatives by way of trainings – especially in its expertise on the extension, maintenance and construction of lines, which will be very helpful in the overall service to our member-consumers.

Ms. Jan Sy, daughter of NGCP President and CEO Mr. Henry Sy, Jr., talked with CDO employees and assured them of the company’s support.

Road to recoveryI’m now back on my feet. I will be

reporting to my CDO office before reporting again to the regional office in Iligan.

I thank God for the gift of life. I believe

this is a sign that I still have a mission to do. I thank my family, officials and colleagues in NGCP, and friends from all walks of life who prayed, supported and even shared their precious resources.

I am also very much indebted to the medical team who treated me for doing their

best to make mine a highly successful operation.

Despite all that I have been through, I have no regrets. I love my work and that’s why I am here in this company – 25 hours a day, 8 days a week and 110% all the time.

< from page 04, Shining in the midst...

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Adversity, as Arthur Golden puts it, is like a strong wind that tears away from a person all but the things that cannot be torn, until what is only left is who he really is.

At the height and during the aftermath of Typhoon Sendong, Mindanao Operations and Maintenance Head Emmanuel D. Abellanosa personified one of NGCP’s core values – an unflinching passion to serve the Filipino people, even if it almost cost him his life.

This is his story.

Leadership roleAs Head of Mindanao O&M, it is my

duty to chair the Regional Command Center (RCMC). On December 16, we were on duty at the RCMC to monitor the District Command Centers, which were activated in anticipation of Typhoon Sendong.

Surigao del Sur, Bislig and some parts of District 4 had toppled/affected 69-kV lines due to the typhoon but these were repaired immediately. District 2 power customers had a meeting that evening in Iligan City where I personally briefed them on our Sendong preparations including the pre-positioning of resources (i.e. manpower, transportation, fuel, etc.).

By 9:30 pm, major transmission lines had momentary faults and NGCP officials present excused themselves from the meeting to respond to the tripping, and the customers left as well. Had there been no tripping, the customers and NGCP personnel could still have been in the restaurant when it became flooded and heavily damaged by 11:30 pm.

Towards midnight, the storm headed towards Northern Mindanao, and led to a blackout of power and communication at the Regional Office. We were tense because we did not know what was happening to our power lines while we were all in the dark. The phone lines were out; communication was down. Later, I directed all on-duty NGCP linemen to give support and rescue all the affected employees they could reach.

I helped CDO as well – at the evacuation centers and in our church by donating food, clothes, etc.

We requested for financial assistance from NGCP Management to for emergency assistance for our people and the others affected to buy food, water, blankets for evacuees who were out in the cold.

We immediately created a Task Force to systematically conduct relief operations as we looked for establishments that would give us a credit line for the emergency food and water.

We mobilized our resources, transportation, and manpower, among others.

At that time, the Office of the President, Mr. Henry T. Sy, Jr., gave orders for me to take charge of relief operations for all NGCP family members. I met all the Functional Groups and gave instructions for the checking of all affected employees, including agency personnel so they can be given food, water, clothes, etc., and to assess the damages.

Looking after familyPersonally, my siblings were victims

too, as their houses in our ancestral home compound in Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro got submerged. All four families (around 30 people) were jampacked at our residence, which served as an evacuation center.

I provided them with clothes, food, money, and other things they would need. We even had to secure anti-tetanus vaccines and tablets to counter leptospirosis – even if those medicines were hard to find during that time.

Members of the Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) group also had family

members who were affected. The morning after the worst of the storm, we conducted an aerial patrol along the Lugait-Carmen 69kV line from Iligan to CDO because the bridges between these cities were impassable.

That’s when we saw the horrifying sight of houses and properties all submerged in deep mud caused by the enormous flooding. Many areas were wiped out.

We dispatched line trucks and other vehicles to rescue NGCP personnel who got flooded in both cities.

(Note: The video taken by Mr. Abellanosa during that aerial inspection proved invaluable to media. At the time, it was the only available video showing the extent of the devastation. Major TV networks carried this video in their news reports on the tragedy.)

Sacrifice came at a costIt was very stressful thinking that my

siblings and their families almost drowned.

In addition, a big number of our employees were greatly affected, while our power lines and facilities were under threat.

Even with the overwhelming circumstances, and in the midst of our relief efforts, I didn’t feel tired despite the lack of sleep. I didn’t eat on time due to the rush of things.

On the eve of December 20, I went to the CDO City Hall to meet with the Acting City Administrator regarding the use of our hangar at the Lumbia Airport, to store the bodies of those who died, for forensic examination.

After being informed that dead bodies were being brought to the sanitary landfill because the number was more than the local funeral homes can handle, our President Mr. Sy, Jr. unselfishly authorized the use of our hangar for that purpose.

On December 21, the hangar was turned over to the city, relieving the city from the criticisms arising from “dumping” the dead in the city’s sanitary landfill.

I was supposed to preside over the hangar turnover but I was no longer able to attend the turnover rites. As I was about

to leave home to go the hangar, I started to feel chest pains. So I went straight to the hospital and was pinned down to my hospital bed for the next six days.

It was my first hospital admission ever because of an illness. This prompted me to have a further check-up in Manila, which led to my eventual quad bypass operation.

I entered the operating room calmly, totally assured by God of his healing grace and without

any iota of doubt that I will pull through it because of the overwhelming prayers, love and support of all the people who cared for me.

The outpouring of support and gifts from family, colleagues in NGCP and friends from everywhere was so touching, assuring and inspiring. I was touched and overwhelmed by the 28 blood donors (courtesy of Mr. Nanding Abesamis and Dr. Rene Ramas of South Luzon and also PAMGS-HO), who came to the hospital for the required quantity of blood donations needed for my surgery. South Luzon was a big help and even offered accommodations for me at the guesthouse from the day I was discharged from the hospital until the time I returned to Mindanao.

For me, this is the beauty of the bayanihan spirit of NGCP at its best.

Shining in the midst of adversity

I love my work and that’s why I am here in this company – 25 hours a day, 8 days a week and 110% all the time. EMMANUEL D. ABELLANOSA

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NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

In the morning of December 17, 2011, Atty. Ver Quimco woke to the tragic news of how tropical storm Sendong destroyed

thousands of lives from the 24 barangays of Iligan, most of which were those near or along Iligan’s Mandulog river.

The deluge was so catastrophic that it swept away tens of thousands of homes. Several hundred lives, mostly children and elderly, were lost.

Grateful for the divine grace of sparing him and his family from the calamity, the first thing that came to Atty. Quimco’s mind was to offer assistance for the victims. He rushed to coordinate with friends from the civil society and religious sector to immediately respond to the need of the survivors, and to help rescue those still missing. He called friends who owned restaurants to donate food to the victims, which he personally delivered to the evacuation center.

By noon, the local government unit was having a difficult time adequately responding to the needs of the tens of thousands of survivors in the evacuation centers. Even if action centers were not yet established, private sector donations and assistance started to come in.

Lending a voiceThe big problem was how to manage

and coordinate all of the efforts of the government and the private sector.

As a KBP-accredited broadcaster, Atty. Quimco saw the need to establish an information and coordination center and thought about using broadcast media to link, coordinate and unite the rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts.

At that time, radio and TV stations in Iligan were off the air due to the outage resulting from the calamity – all except one: DXIC RMN Iligan.

Even then, the radio station was having its own problems in sustaining its broadcast operations. Its main anchor, Enie Alsonado, was one of the fatalities. Station manager Ramil Emborong luckily survived, but his home was totally flooded and he was still in a state of trauma. Almost all of the other working broadcasters and reporters were victims themselves, and could barely perform their jobs.

Atty. Quimco decided to take on the job of radio anchor to allow the radio station to perform a vital role of informing the public and coordinating relief and assistance efforts. He anchored the broadcast with Councilor Ariel Anghay of Iligan, and Kagawad Rufel Cabanero of Barangay del Carmen in Iligan City who, like him, are also accredited broadcasters.

This gave Atty. Quimco the opportunity of coordinating public officials, government offices, NGOs, and volunteers in the private sector to effectively respond the needs of the victims. The radio station then became the center of information for the victims and all of the people involved in the rescue and relief operations. It became the outlet for

complaints. It served as a channel to relay the needs of the victims to the rest of the country and the world.

Iliganons and people around the world mostly from Ireland, Australia, US, Canada, and even Iliganon seafarers, listened to Atty. Quimco and his co-anchors’ broadcast – which was also carried live via audio streaming on the Internet – called and sent messages pledging their assistance for the victims.

As enormous as the flood brought by Sendong was, so too was the massive stream of assistance and donations from people in Iligan and neighboring communities, from all over the nation, and from many parts of the world.

Lives savedOn Day 3, Atty. Quimco received a text

message that 12 survivors were spotted floating in the sea near the municipality of Initiao, Misamis Oriental. He then appealed on the air for fishermen who have boats, and those who have motorized boats to proceed to the area. The Philippine Coast Guard which was monitoring the broadcast immediately proceeded to the area and rescued the survivors. They then called DXIC to broadcast their successful operation. Many other similar incidents of rescue recurred through such broadcast linkage.

Atty. Quimco devoted no less than 18 hours – from early morning to midnight – of uninterrupted broadcast everyday until Day 6, to assist hundreds of survivors who lined

up daily to communicate their needs and search for their missing relatives.

Before he turned over the broadcast to the regular RMN broadcasters, Atty. Quimco took the opportunity to facilitate an effective partnership and coordination of the private sector and the government to perform the remaining work of attending to the basic needs of the survivors, including relocation of the tens of thousand of evacuees.

Together with Bishop Elinito Galido of the Diocese of Iligan and other Catholic priests, he convened and organized a coalition of all non-government organizations, groups and individuals who were involved in the rescue, relief and assistance of the victims into an umbrella organization called the Iligan Disaster Coordination and Rehabilitation Center.

The group serves as the umbrella organization that links efforts of the private sector with the concerned local government unit in Iligan for proper coordination and management of the delivery of relief and assistance to the victims.

A partnership was formally forged and a covenant was signed by its chairman Atty. Manny Salibay with City Mayor Lawrence Cruz representing the City Government of Iligan.

As residents were beginning to recover from the shock brought by Typhoon Sendong, Atty. Quimco signed off the air and signed on again to his equally demanding job as head of NGCP’s Office of the General Counsel in Mindanao.

The voice of Iligan

Atty. Ver Quimco (left) anchored radio station RMN DXIC Iligan during the Sendong calamity. With him is 6-year old Joanne Mae Macanggoy of Hinaplanon , Iligan City who miraculously survived. Both her parents and younger sibling perished during the calamity. At right is fellow broadcaster from RMN Iligan Mr. Jun Peralta.

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Mr. Venusto Hamoy Jr. represents Mr. Henry Sy, Jr. and delivers his message to Iligan employees.

Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz discusses with NGCP officials the relief efforts to address the needs of the flood victims.

NGCP helps employees in Sendong-hit areas in Cagayan de Oro & Iligan

NGCP employees in Cagayan de Oro remain optimistic despite the devastation brought about by storm Sendong.

Chief Executive Adviser Mr. Shan Shewu, HR Head Atty. Josena Paz Uybarreta, and Physical Asset Management and General Services Head Ms. Cecilia Domingo confer with employees.

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

Cagayan de Oro reels from the wrath of Sendong. (Photos by Emmanuel D. Abellanosa)

Brig. Gen. Emiliano Gupana of the Fourth Infantry Division of the Philippine Army discusses with NGCP officials security measures during calamities.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano meets with NGCP officials. Ms. Jan Sy represents his father Mr. Henry Sy, Jr. at the said meeting in CDO.

Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez briefs NGCP officials of the government’s efforts to help those affected by Sendong.

NGCP helps employees in Sendong-hit areas in Cagayan de Oro & Iligan

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Aboitiz to set up green buffer zone around planned coal plant in Davao Aboitiz Power Corp. committed to set up a green buffer zone on a 1,000-hectare area surrounding its planned 300-megawatt coal-fired power facility in Davao del Sur.

INDUSTRyNEWS

Lighting retrofit on 35 gov’t buildings to post P20M savings a year – DOE After retrofitting lighting systems in over 20 government offices, the Department of Energy (DOE) is now training its sights on replacing existing lighting systems with energy-efficient ones in 35 other government buildings.

DOE said the move is expected to generate up to P20 million in savings a year.The project which seeks to promote energy-efficient technology is a component of the

Philippine Energy Efficiency Project backed by the Asian Development Bank.Project Director and DOE Undersecretary Loreta Ayson said the project not only seeks

to replace lighting fixtures in government offices but, more importantly, send the message about the need for a lifestyle change to conserve energy.

“A pragmatic lifestyle change is also key to our campaign. It is not only about changing our appliance to more energy-efficient ones but also to have these best practices inculcated in each one of us,” Ayson said.

Earlier, the DOE has completed the retrofitting of lighting systems in 22 other government offices where it installed efficient lamps and electronic ballast. Projected savings from the retrofit is estimated at P10 million per year. (Source: Manila Times, 2012-02-01)

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ERC OK’s operation of 32 power facilities in off-grid areas The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) granted certificates of compliance (COCs) for 32 off-grid generators facilities providing electricity to areas covered by the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG).

In a statement, ERC Chairperson Zenaida G. Cruz-Ducut said the issuance and renewal of COCs –a pre-requisite to the commercial operations of a power generating plant – will ensure that off-grid areas serviced by these power plants will continue to have access to electricity.

“The issuance of these COCs… gives assurance to the consuming public of a sustainable, viable, safe and reliable supply of electricity,” Ducut said, adding that the COCs were given following a thorough inspection and evaluation of these facilities.

Companies issued COCs were the Cotabato Light and Power Company, Inc. for its 9.927 megawatt (6-unit) diesel-powered plant in Cotabato City; Catingas Hydro Power Plant Corporation for its 900 KW Hydroelectric Power Plant in Romblon; and Cummins Sales and Services Philippines, Inc. for its 1.12 MW diesel plant in Siquijor.

ERC also granted 29 COCs to the National Power Corp. for its SPUG operations in Palawan, Marinduque, Quezon, and areas in North Luzon.

The COCs – which are proof that these facilities meet the environmental, technical and financial standards set by the ERC and are in compliance with relevant laws – are valid for five years until 2016. (Source: BusinessWorld, 2012-01-18)

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Meralco sees better service with completion of major projects

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said it has completed seven major projects during the last two

months of 2011 that are expected to further enhance its distribution network and reduce systems loss.

“These projects, which are all part of our approved capital expenditure program, will reinforce our electric distribution system and further improve electric service to our customers,” Meralco executive vice president and networks head Ricardo Buencamino was quoted in media as saying.

Meralco’s new Calamba substation commissioned on December 29 will augment its distribution capacity to meet the increasing power demand in Laguna, including industrial customers in Canlubang and Calamba.

New distribution lines from this new substation will provide a more, reliable and stable electric service in the Calamba, Laguna and Sto. Tomas, Batangas.

The distribution utility also reported the replacement of a power transformer in its Botocan substation which will boost the adjacent Tayabas and San Pablo II substations. The utility’s distribution facilities in Metro Manila were also augmented with capacity additions at its Tegen and Diliman substations through the installation of additional 83 megavolt-ampere power transformers.

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the reforestation of a 500-hectare area in Kibalang, Marilog district.(Source: BusinessWorld, 2012-01-20)

3In a statement, Aboitiz Power said its wholly-owned subsidiary

Therma South, Inc. will initially plant trees in an area covering 420 hectares in Santa Cruz which is part of the future site of the power plant.

Aboitz Power’s move is in response to Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio’s request for the company to provide a buffer zone around the planned power facility that will be built within the boundary of the city and Santa Cruz town.

Construction of the plant will begin within the first quarter of the year and is set to start operations by 2014.

Earlier, Duterte-Carpio vetoed an ordinance reclassifying the area to accommodate the plant. The city council, however, overturned the mayor’s veto, with 21 of its 26 members approving the measure.

While accepting the city council’s decision, Duterte-Carpio said she will require the company to put up a buffer zone to mitigate the impact on surrounding communities.

Aboitiz President Erramon I. Aboitiz had assured the city government the company will use modern technology to minimize potentially hazardous effects of the power plant.

For his part, Aboitiz Power’s vice-president for Mindanao Manuel M. Orig said the company has been aggressively pursuing reforestation activities in areas that host its facilities. “This project is just another step forward in our group-wide effort to significantly reduce our carbon footprint as a company, while protecting our natural resources and wildlife.”

In May last year, Therma South and Davao Light and Power Co. – also a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power – signed an agreement for

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

Electric coop seeks funding to power 24 sitios in Negros Oriental The Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative I (NORECO I) has asked the National Electrification Administration

(NEA) to release funding for the electrification of 24 far-flung sitios in its coverage area this year.

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Meralco added that a 13.8-kilovolt (kV) distribution line in Imus, Cavite was also upgraded to the standard 34.5-kV distribution system while a second 115-kV source for Fort Bonifacio Global City-4 substation and a new distribution line from Dolores substation were likewise completed.

These additional facilities will support the load growth in the cities of Manila, Quezon, Taguig and municipalities of Taytay, Angono and Binangonan in Rizal. (Source: Manila Times, 2012-01-21)

NORECO I operation and maintenance officer-in-charge Aristarco Samontañes said the cooperative would need a total of P12.6 million to connect households in these areas to the power grid.

Samontañes said NEA is expected to release the funds sometime within the first quarter of the year.

The electric cooperative said the move to push the electrification of remote areas in its coverage area is in line with NEA’s Sitio Electrification Program that was approved by Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III last year to accelerate socio-economic development in the countryside.

NORECO I covers 11 towns and cities in the northern side of Negros Oriental, namely: Mabinay, Manjuyod, Bindoy, Ayungon, Tayasan, Jimalalud, La Libertad, Guihulngan City, Vallehermoso, Bais City and Canlaon City. (Source: Manila Bulletin, 2012-01-29)

CUSTOMER BULLETINCustomer Bulletin 2012-02: IMPLEMENTATION OF REVISED POWER FACTOR ADJUSTMENT (PFA) MECHANISM (January 12, 2012)

The Energy Regulatory Commission, in its July 4, 2011 decision, directed NGCP to adopt the following revised PFA mechanism for distribution utilities effective January 2012 to December 2013 billing period:

Where: y is 0.75 for year 2012 and 0.45 for year 2013;PDS is the power delivery service charge applicable to the DU;APF is the Actual Power Factor for such metering point;SPF is the stands Power Factor;M1 is the non-coincident peak demand (NCPD) or coincident peak demand (CPD), whichever is applicable; and∑ M1 is the aggregate NCPD or CPD of the distribution utility at all metering points.

For other transmission customers, the existing PFA will remain in effect until the expiration of their Transmission Service Agree-ments or until 2013, whichever is later.

Customer Bulletin 2012-03: MAxIMuM ALLOwABLE REVENuE FOR CY 2012 (January 31, 2012)

The Energy Regulatory Commission has granted NGCP provisional authority to collect a MAR of PhP40,350.78 million and a PIS of PhP503 million for the year 2012.

View detailed transmission rates effective January 2012 at http://www.ngcp.ph

Customer Bulletin 2012-04: LIST OF ACCEPTABLE BANKING INSTITUTIONS AND PERSONS (January 17, 2012)

In compliance with Section A8.1 of the Open Access Transmission Service Rules, NGCP has come up with a list of banking institutions which can provide Credit Support NGCP’s direct customers nationwide.

Download the list at http://www.ngcp.ph

NOTE: Full text of the customer bulletins may be downloaded from www.ngcp.ph or requested from NGCP’s Revenue and Regulatory Affairs Department.

THE FIRST POWER PLANTThe first central power plant was built by Thomas Edison and began generating electricity in

New York City on September 4, 1882. It had one generator and it produced power for 800 electric light bulbs. Within 14 months, it had 508 subscribers and 12,732 bulbs. (Source: http://www.mythinkenergy.com)

10

NGCP CORNERNGCP launches new performance evaluation systemAs part of its continuing efforts to improve the way employees perform in the workplace, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) launched its Employee Performance Feedback System (EPFS) – a new employee performance evaluation program.

During the flag raising ceremony last January 16, NGCP Chief Administrative Officer Anthony L. Almeda led the corporate-wide launch of the EPFS. The program is designed to evaluate the individual performance of employees with the aim of aligning it with the company’s goals and objectives.

“(The new performance evaluation system) will institutionalize a results-oriented culture and a high-competency, high-performance environment in NGCP,” said Dir. Almeda, as he encouraged employees to participate in EPFS-related activities lined up in the coming months.

He added that with the EPFS in place, management will be better equipped to reward good performers and to give rewards and recognition where they are due.

Mr. Almeda recognized the efforts of the EPFS Steering Committee and EPFS Consultant Carlos Salonga “in establishing a solid framework for the system and ensuring that it will roll out smoothly.”

Alongside the Head Office, NGCP’s regional offices likewise held their EPFS launching with members of the EPFS Steering Committee leading the program.

Merlynda Paguio (Division Head I, North Luzon HR Division), Fernando Abesamis (Department Head, South Luzon O&M), Raul Galano (Department Head, Visayas SO) and Eugene Bicar (Department Head, Mindanao SO) introduced the EPFS in their respective regions. They also hosted discussions with their respective staff to explain the significance of the system in both the corporate and individual levels.

The EPFS kick-off program will be followed by a series of road shows and orientation sessions starting on the last week of January and will run for the whole month of February to brief all NGCP personnel about the new system.

NGCP’s compliance with the mandates of R.A 9513 on renewable energy-based plants.

In addition, the 10-year plan outlines NGCP’s program for the upgrade and replacement of aging transmission facilities, as well as its projects related to its shift to the use of the “smart grid” technology in its SCADA system and the improvement of its telecommunication network.

“In planning for the development of the transmission system for the next 10 years, we continue to be guided by our vision to be the strongest power grid in Southeast Asia, contribute to socio-economic development and satisfy stakeholders’ need,” Atty. Alabanza noted.

< from page 01, NGCP holds nationwide...

Iligan City Council thanks NGCP for helping Sendong victimsThe Sangguniang Panlungsod of Iligan, through Resolution No. 12-07, expressed its deep gratitude and appreciation to the management and employees of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for extending the necessary assistance to the victims of Typhoon Sendong.

The Resolution read in part:

“Among those who offered their help was the management and employees of NGCP which sent assorted relief goods, P1,000,000, manpower and equipment for the rescue and retrieval operations and rehabilitation of the damaged areas.”

“No amount of words will ever be enough to express Iligan’s deep gratitude to the management and employees of NGCP, who showed their bigheartedness and came to Iligan’s rescue during their great need and sorrow. The people of Iligan cherish such generosity and would certainly remember it, even with the passage of time.”

The killer flood, which struck Iligan City and Cagayan de Oro City a few days before Christmas Day last year, was said to have claimed more than a thousand people, with hundreds still unaccounted for and presumed dead.

In Iligan City alone, the flood killed more than 600 people with more than 600 missing and completely damaged and partially damaged 4,444 and 11,263 houses, respectively. The flood affected the lives of tens of thousands of people, especially in Barangays Mandulog, Bonbonon, Upper Hinaplanon, Hinaplanon, San Roque and Santiago, which are near Mandulog River.

NATIONAL GRID CORPORATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

NGCP CORNER

PHOTOS TAKEN AT THE LINEMAN’S TRAINING PROGRAM WITH CAMARINES SUR II ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE IN NAGA CITY

Top: Proper installation of personal protective grounding equipment Left: Actual individual training of participants

speakers free of charge. Meals, accommodation of participants and other training-related expenses were shouldered by proponent-customer.

Participants expressed satisfaction on the training coverage, citing the topics’ relevance to the improvement of their operations, particularly regarding safety matters. Some even suggested the conduct of advance trainings to allow for more elaborate discussions on the topics.

As of press time, 13 electric cooperatives have already requested to be given the free training. In fact, 293 linemen are on the list of participants in trainings scheduled for the 1st quarter of this year, with the number expected to rise as the year progresses.

< from page 12, 34 electric coops complete ...

12

TRANSMISSIONSis a publication of the

CorpComm and Public Affairs Division.

What do you think of our new newsletter? send your comments via:SMS: +63917.587.4109

Fax: +632.922.2684e-Mail: corpcomm@ngcp.ph

EDITORIAL TEAMAnthony L. AlmedaCynthia P. AlabanzaJennifer M. de JesusCharles S. DinoAdrienne B. MendozaMelchor F. AbuboKimberly C. RealozaJoella D. Perez

Supported by: Tagline Communications Consultancyhttp://taglinecommunications.com/

NGCP

34 electric coops complete free NGCP linemen trainingFrontline personnel from 34 electric cooperatives nationwide received and completed the free lineman training conducted by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) between August to December last year.

A total of 981 personnel completed the two-day training program – organized by NGCP’s Corporate Affairs and Human Resources departments – as part of the company’s partnership with electric cooperatives which seeks to achieve faster restoration time, shorter power interruptions, and overall improvement in terms of power reliability and security.

“We offered the two-day program for interested DUs that would like to enhance their skills and remind their personnel about the safety procedures on the job. This is really aimed at improving power service delivery to our ultimate power consumers which are the ordinary Filipino homes and local businesses,” NGCP President and CEO Mr. Henry T. Sy Jr. said.

Mr. Sy fully supports the continuing training program which he cited as a “good opportunity for technical information exchange and cooperation.”

The training included lectures and workshops on 69-kV lines – including line profile, types of structures, line hardware, and tools and equipment used for 69-kV maintenance.

Topics on line maintenance applications were also discussed, such as the drafting of an annual work plan, importance of line maintenance forms (preventive, corrective, patrol checklist), right of way matters, safety matters, and switching procedure and operations.

On the second day of the training, a demonstration on line maintenance techniques was conducted.

A total of 66 NGCP personnel were appointed to facilitate the training, including the Chief of TL as well as NGCP key personnel in various areas such as substation operations, maintenance planning, and right of way. Select NGCP line foremen and linemen also assisted in conducting the training. NGCP provided the resource

Customers who availed of NGCP’s free linemen’s training for 2011:

DATE NO. OF PARTICIPANTS CUSTOMER VENUE

25-26 OCTOBER 17 SFELAPCO San Fernando, Pampanga

6-7 OCTOBER 23 PELCO II Hermosa SS, Bataan

18-19 OCTOBER 28 NEECO I San Isidro, Nueva Ecija9-10 NOVEMBER 30 MOPRECO Bontoc, Mt. Province10-11 NOVEMBER 27 ZAMECO I Palauig, Zambales17-18 NOVEMBER 30 CELCOR Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija17-18 NOVEMBER 31 INEC Dingras, Ilocos Norte24-25 NOVEMBER 40 PRESCO Mexico, Pampanga28-29 NOVEMBER 30 DECORP Dagupan, Pangasinan7-8 DECEMBER 31 ZAMECO II Castillejos, Zambales8-9 DECEMBER 20 LUECO San Fernando City, La Union15-16 DECEMBER 30 NUVELCO Bayombong, Nueva VizcayaTOTAL - NORTH LUZON 337 12 12-13 SEPTEMBER 30 CANORECO Daet, Camarines Norte28-29 NOVEMBER 40 CASURECO II Del Rosario, Naga City15-16 DECEMBER 30 FIRST BAY Bauan, Batangas

19-20 DECEMBER 27 BATELEC II Lipa City19-20 DECEMBER 39 CASURECO III San Isidro, Iriga City28-29 DECEMBER 31 BATELEC I Calaca, BatangasTOTAL - SOUTH LUZON 197 6 15-16 AUGUST 30 CEBECO I,

CEBECO II, CEBECO III

Compostela Valley

1-2 SEPTEMBER 31 LEYECO II , LEYECO III- 1ST BATCH

Tacloban City, Leyte

8-9 SEPTEMBER 33 NORSAMELCO Northern Samar15-16 SEPTEMBER 33 DORELCO Tacloban City, Leyte22-23 SEPTEMBER 31 LEYECO II,

LEYECO III- 2ND BATCH

Tacloban City, Leyte

29-30 SEPTEMBER 29 LEYECO V , BILECO-1ST BATCH

Leyeco II

4-5 OCTOBER 39 SAMELCO II Paranas, Samar6-7 OCTOBER 33 SAMELCO I Calbayog City, Samar13-14 OCTOBER 42 ESAMELCO Borongan, Eastern Samar18-19 OCTOBER 28 LEYECO IV Hilongos, Leyte25-26 OCTOBER 29 SOLECO Maasin City, Southern Leyte9-10 NOVEMBER 29 LEYECO V ,

BILECO-2ND BATCH

Ormoc City

14-15 DECEMBER 30 CENECO Bacolod CityTOTAL-VISAYAS 417 15 21-22 SEPTEMBER 30 DORECO Mati City, Davao OrientalTOTAL -MINDANAO 30 1 NATIONWIDE TOTAL FOR CY 2011 981 34

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