Meralco taking power lines underground

The unsightly power lines that have long marred tourist spots across Metro Manila and nearby provinces may soon vanish, as Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) accelerates its plan to bury them underground.

- By BRIX LELIS

Meralco networks head Froilan Savet said the utility giant intends to put up 1,500 circuit kilometers of underground systems within its franchise area to improve network resiliency and eliminate tangled overhead power and telco lines.

“We have identified sites for underground cabling, particularly key value areas such as the financial district, commercial centers, heritage sites, tourist spots and, importantly for resiliency, locations frequently hit by typhoons,” he said in a recent interview.

Flood-prone areas, however, pose challenges because civil works must be coordinated with the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood-control projects, Savet said.