House OKs bill promoting safe overhead utility lines
2024-Aug-08 10:00
SAFETY. Two linemen connect a cable wire to a post along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City on Aug. 16, 2023. The House of Representatives on Wednesday (Aug. 7, 2024) approved on second reading a measure proposing the safe installation and maintenance of overhead electrical distribution, cable, and communications lines. (PNA/Jess M. Escaros Jr.)
MANILA – The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading a measure proposing the safe installation and maintenance of overhead electrical distribution, cable, and communications lines.
The chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 10512, or the proposed Safe Overhead Electric Distribution, Cable, and Communications Lines Act.
House Committee on Energy chairperson, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco, in sponsoring the bill, said it aims to make the electric distribution, cable, and telecommunications companies responsible for the safety of the life and property of their customers in the conduct and delivery of service.
Velasco noted that the bill seeks to ensure the implementation of sound maintenance of utility poles, lines, cables, equipment, and accessories, as well as promote good housekeeping practices.
"I would like to emphasize that the enactment of the Safe Overhead Electric Distribution, Cable, and Communications Lines Act will be necessary to protect not only the safety and life of the Filipino people but as well as to promote good housekeeping among the electric distribution cable and telecommunications companies," he said.
Local government units shall be mandated to ensure that every electric distribution, cable, and telecommunications company within their territorial jurisdiction complies with the standards and regulations provided under the Philippine Electrical Code.
An inter-agency committee, to be chaired by the Energy Regulatory Commission, shall be created to set the prescribed standards in the overhead installation of lines, cables, utility poles, equipment, and accessories and conduct periodic inspections to ensure compliance.
Proposed fines for the violation of the measure range from P250,000 to P500,000 for the first offense, P500,000 to P1 million for the second offense, and P1 million to P2 million for the third and succeeding offenses. (PNA)