NGCP to switch on 300-MVA transformer in La Trinidad

MANILA, Philippines - The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), the operator of the country’s power transmission network, is aiming to switch on another 300-megavolt ampere (MVA) transformer at its La Trinidad substation next year after energizing a new 300-MVA transformer over the weekend.

The two 300-MVA transformers are part of NGCP’s P515-million Luzon substation expansion project.

The new transformer energized over the weekend would ensure system reliability in the La Trinidad area, NGCP said.

“The new 300-megavolt power transformer is for N-1 contingency and system reliability as it will also lessen downtime of planned and unplanned power interruptions,” the grid operator said.

The N-1 contingency is a requirement under the Philippine Grid Code, which refers to the ability of the grid to withstand the loss of a major system component with minimal disruption to the grid.

With a total capacity of 85 megawatts, NGCP Transformers 2 and 3 have been reconfigured and have energized the new 300-megavolt transformer.

Connected loads include large businesses and industries in the area. These include the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA), Benguet Electric Cooperative-Lamut Substation, Philex Mining Corp. and NGCP’s Itogon Substation.

To give way to the commissioning of the new transformer, NGCP implemented a scheduled shutdown of some of its transmission facilities in the area covered by the Benguet Electric Cooperative last Saturday for two hours, or from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

NGCP is a privately-owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations and related assets.

The consortium holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network and is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp., led by Henry Sy Jr., Calaca High Power Corp. led by Robert Coyiuto Jr., and the State Grid Corp. of China (SGCC) as technical partner.