Road widening projects stalled by electric posts

By May 7, 2017Inside News, News

THE road widening projects in central Pangasinan are affected not only by decades-old trees that are within the roads’ right of way but by electric posts as well.

In central Pagansinan, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has  requested for the transfer of the electric posts of Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (CENPELCO) in order to fully widen the roads.

However, Engineer Rodrigo Corpuz, CENPELCO manager said, CENPELCO cannot not implement the transfer because it involves capital expenditures and require the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) since the it will affect the operational cash position of the agency that will impact on the agency’s services and operations.

He estimates that the transfer of electric posts can cost the government more than P350 million since the process will not only require relocation of all posts but installation of new posts for the transfer of power lines.

Corpuz said, there is also an ongoing rehabilitation of the 1970’s old posts, and 50%  needs repair and rehabilitation.

He said CENPELCO already applied for the allocation of capital expenditure (CAPEX) and he’s still waiting for ERC’s approval for the relocation of the power lines.

Corpuz added that there was a provision in 2013 for the relocation of the power lines included in the widening projects of DPWH and the distribution utilities, but no implementing rules and regulations between DPWH and DOE have ben issued.

He said, once CENPELCO receives the IRR, the relocation of the electric posts can be effected.

CENPELCO covers the municipalities of Sual, Labrador, Bugallon, Lingayen, Binmaley, Aguilar, Mangatarem, Urbiztondo, Bautista, Basista, Mangaldan and the city of San Carlos. (Nora Dominguez)

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