NGCP completes new transmission projects

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has completed a new transmission project between Cebu and Bohol to better transmit capacity of new power projects in the region to as far as the Luzon grid.

NGCP said it energized the Calongcalong–Toledo–Colon 138- kilovolt ( kV) transmission project on Aug. 22, which would directly benefit the provinces of Cebu and Bohol.

The project is composed of a 52-circuit kilometer transmission line, the upgrade of the substation in Toledo, and the expansion of substations in Calong-calong and Colon which are designed to boost the Visayas grid’s capability and accommodate the 246-megawatt ( MW) power plants of Cebu Energy Development Corp. (CEDC) and the 82- MW coalfired plant of Toledo Power Company.

Other components of the completed facility are a new relay building to house associated substation equipment, sentry towers to ensure perimeter security, and slope protection for the substation and transmission towers to ensure structural stability.

“This development is the result of a nationwide program of facility upgrades to ensure that our lines and substations operate at an optimal level and at the same time, ready to accommodate future demand or supply,” NGCP said.

With the new transmission facility, the grid operator said it now complies with the N- 1 provision of the Philippine Grid Code, which equires back up equipment to prevent outage when other facilities are not available or on scheduled shutdown.

“The completion of this project fulfilled the N- 1 requirement of the transmission corridor in the Western Cebu area. This means a wider, more reliable highway for power suppliers to transmit supply to customers, particularly those served by the plants such as VECO and other distribution utilities in Cebu and Bohol. With this enhanced reliability, supply from Cebu power plants can potentially reach as far as Luzon,” NGCP said.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation holding a 25-year concession contract to operate, maintain and develop the country’s power grid.

It is owned by a consortium 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.