NGCP resumes expansion in Leyte

MANILA, Philippines - Transmission service provider National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is continuing with its expansion projects in Leyte.

The programmed upgrades will cater to increasing power demand and improve system reliability of the grid, the company said in a statement.

“Among its ongoing projects this year is the Visayas Substation Expansion I Project, which includes the installation of a new 100-megavolt ampere (MVA) transformer at Ormoc substation in Leyte,” NGCP said.

The transformer will be energized in December.

Three more projects are in the pipeline to ensure that the grid can handle higher electricity demand and maintain the system’s reliability.

Specifically, NGCP projects that are in the pre-construction stage are the Visayas Substation Reliability Project I, and the transmission line upgrades for Ormoc-Babatngon and Ormoc-Maasin.

“The rehabilitation is expected to increase line reliability and significantly lessen the probability of line outages, especially during extreme weather conditions,” NGCP said.

The Visayas substation project involves the installation of a new transformer at the Maasin substation in Southern Leyte.

The Ormoc-Babatngon 138-kilovolt (kv) transmission line project includes the construction of a second circuit transmission line and its associated high voltage equipment at the Ormoc and Babatngon substations.

Lastly, the Ormoc-Maasin 138-kv transmission line project covers the creation of a second circuit and the instalation of related equipment at the Ormoc and Maasin substations.

The NGCP said it is also conducting a rehabilitation of 69-kw transmission lines in the area.

Since last year, a total of 617 wooden transmission poles have been replaced with steel poles.

The transmission service provider sought for the public’s support in the prevention of pilferage, sabotage, grass fires and kite flying near transmission and distribution lines to ensure continuous electricity supply.

The NGCP allotted roughly P100 billion in capital spending for the creation of new transmission lines and substations, and the expansion of existing facilities nationwide in the next 10 years. It recovers its investments through fixed rates added to consumers’ electricity bills.