Meralco phases out oldest substation

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is retiring one of its oldest substations in Metro Manila as part of its conversion program to improve power delivery service and reduce system loss.

The power distributor said it would re-use some equipment in the facility for distribution services.

It filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) seeking authority to retire the Palomar Substation and to re-utilize the equipment in the said substation.

“The issuance of provisional authority is warranted under the circumstances considering that there is no reason to continue energizing the Palomar Substation as the loads thereof may be transferred to adjacent source circuits,” Meralco said.

The move is part of its conversion program, wherein it will standardize the voltage of its distribution assets by phasing out isolated odd voltage systems and minimize equipment inventory types. 

“More importantly, the conversion of the loads of Palomar Substation to 34.5 (kilovolt) kv will result in the reduction of technical system loss and improvement of the electric service by phasing out isolated odd voltage system,” the power distributor said.

The Palomar Substation is one of Meralco’s oldest substations, with two power transformers ageing 65 years and another one at 61 years old, which according to Meralco, have reached their standard asset lives.

Located in Tondo, Manila, the power substation is also prone to flooding.

Meralco said the retirement of Palomar Substation “will not have an adverse impact on the customers in Tondo, Manila area since the 13.8-kv system was converted to 34.5 kv and the 6.24 kv loads of Palomar Substation will be converted to 34.5 kv.”

Upon its retirement, the power distributor said some of the equipment and machinery will be reused for distribution services while others will be withdrawn from service amounting to P3.49 million.