Baguio: The Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco) is taking steps to reduce power outages by installing tree wires. These wires are being used to prevent disruptions caused by trees coming into contact with distribution lines, which have been a source of unscheduled power interruptions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Beneco General Manager Engr. Melchor Licoben stated that the cooperative is transitioning from underground cabling to tree wires due to their easier implementation and cost-effectiveness. Tree wires, which are insulated, are designed to prevent power disruptions even if they come into contact with foreign objects or animals.

Licoben highlighted that while typical tree wires handle around 600 volts, Beneco is investing in higher capacity wires capable of managing 23 kilovolts. The installation of these tree wires has commenced in areas with dense forestation, such as Loakan Road and the route towards La Trinidad, where several outages have been recorded due to contact with trees and structures.

Despite the shift to tree wires, Licoben noted that underground cabling remains a long-term goal. However, it faces challenges due to right-of-way issues and the region's terrain, making it a more complex and costly undertaking.

During Beneco's recent annual general membership assembly, Licoben also mentioned the cooperative's initiative to shift substation cables underground. This move aims to maintain substation cleanliness and further reduce the risk of outages caused by foreign objects.