Davao Light sets P1.4-B upgrade

MANILA, Philippines — Aboitiz-led Davao Light and Power Co. (DLPC) is spending P1.4 billion to upgrade its network amid the influx of various developments in its franchise area, including Davao City.

DLPC has filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to implement its capital expenditure projects covering four substation projects with a total cost of P184.32 million; seven new lines project amounting to P174.95 million; line upgrade projects worth P8.06 million; 12 other network projects costing P628.95 million; and six non-network projects amounting to P392.93 million.

Under the substation projects, DLPC said it needs to upgrade the Victoria Substation which already accommodates a 75 percent load; the Bangkal Substation which will have a 82.9 percent load; and the San Vicente Substation.

Its biggest project involves the acquisition of land for its new substation projects and the expansion of existing facilities, amounting to P222.23 million.

“DLPC will need additional lots for its new switching stations for the expansion of a number of its substations,” it said.

These include the Holcim switching station, the installation of the AVA substation, and for the new Bucana and Megaworld, Matina and Bangkal expansion.

DLPC has also earmarked P175.66 million for its new application project which cover the procurement of transformers, poles, wires, line hardwares and other distribution apparatus necessary to provide service to new applicants.

“This project addresses the need to effectively cater and supply new customer applications to the distribution system,” it said.

DLPC will also convert the overhead distribution feeder to underground distribution system and this is estimated to cost P100 million.

“This project is in furtherance of local government unit (LGU) directive aimed at mitigating safety hazards brought about by the overhead distribution lines,” the power distributor said.