THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the country’s sole power-lines concessionaire, said on Tuesday that it has restored power transmission services in parts of Negros Oriental affected by the recent 6.9 magnitude earthquake.

The NGCP said in a statement that five transmission structures along the Amlan-Bindoy-Guihulngan 69kV transmission line were affected by the calamity.  In spite of aftershocks, heavy rains, and damaged bridges and roads, the NGCP said it pursued its restoration efforts by resorting to helicopters and motorcycles to reach the areas inaccessible to line trucks.

The NGCP said line workers had to manually haul the tower materials to more accessible locations in preparation for helicopter airlifting of lightweight steel tower segments to Guihulngan City once the weather had cleared.

At 1:56 p.m. on Feb. 11, 2012, the NGCP said normal operations of the Negros sub-grid were restored after completion of repairs and re-energization of the Bindoy-Guihulngan 69-kV transmission line.

The NGCP said it will continue to go beyond limits to ensure the fast delivery of safe and reliable electricity to its customers.

The company remains committed to fast-track similar restoration efforts during emergencies and improve services to power consumers.

In another development, the NGCP said the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (Iseco) availed itself of its lineman’s training for electric cooperatives. The NGCP added that it continues to offer its comprehensive lineman’s training modules to electric cooperatives nationwide.

Henry Sy Jr., NGCP president and chief executive, welcomed the growing interest of DUs and electric cooperatives in the training which he cited as a “good opportunity for technical information exchange and cooperation.”

“Working together with electric cooperatives to upgrade line maintenance skills will result to faster restoration time, shorter power interruptions and overall improvement in power reliability and security,” Sy said.