To ensure the power grid’s optimal performance, transmission service provider National Grid Corporation of the Philippines continues to upgrade its substation facilities nationwide through its ongoing substation reliability projects.
These improvements introduced by NGCP are filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission. Many of the projects were implemented from 2016 onwards but have not yet received ERC’s provisional approval.
Given the operational need, NGCP proceeded with the implementation of the projects, setting aside for later, the issue on recovery approvals from the ERC.
“Our priority has and will always be doing what is best for the public. Financial considerations can take a back seat and be threshed out later,” the company said.
“We hope to correct the impression that the consumers are somehow shortchanged with how rates are computed. Our commitment has never wavered: we serve the public, and we work within the legal and regulatory framework of our concession and franchise.”
Since taking over transmission operations in 2009, NGCP invested P3.289 billion in upgrades across 15 of its substations and converter stations in Taytay, Binan, Quezon, Abaga, Mexico, San Jose, Sucat, Compostela, Davao, Ormoc, Naga, Araneta, Agus 2, Calaca, Agus 6, and Tiwi A and C.
The improvements cater to the increasing load growth and reliability of the system.
NGCP also implemented its power transformer replacements to update old and aging transformers installed prior to the privatization of the transmission grid.
From 2018 to 2021, NGCP replaced 33 power transformers and improved the efficiency and relia-bility of substation operations.
Twelve transformers were replaced in North Luzon, four in NCR, five in South Luzon, three in Visayas, and nine in Mindanao with a total equipment cost of US$37.7M or P1.8B.
Besides this, 14 spare power transformers worth US$14.6M or P764M were also delivered to six substations in North Luzon, five in South Luzon, one in Visayas, and two in Mindanao.
NGCP also constantly prepares for possible effects of man-made and natural calamities that may affect the continuous transmission of power.
The company included the procurement of mobile transformer units that can be moved, installed, and energized within the region in less than 36 hours to restore power serving specific localities.
Four mobile transformer units worth US$12.1M or P612M have been delivered to substations in Mexico in Pampanga, Daraga in Albay, Cadiz in Bacolod, and in South Cotabato.
“The company continually implements projects to improve substation operations for the efficient and reliable delivery of power,” NGCP said. – Press release
