NATIONAL GRID Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is upgrading its network in Metro Manila by setting up a 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Taguig and Baras, Rizal to help accommodate growing power demand.
“With the growing load and steadily increasing demand in Metro Manila and nearby provinces of Luzon, the reliability of power transmission is something that NGCP needs to secure,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
The new line will run between Taguig City and Taytay, Binangonan, Baras, and Morong in the province of Rizal. The line will help decongest other substations serving Metro Manila and improve the reliability of the transmission system.
The country’s sole transmission network operator said initial ground work is underway for the project, which has an estimated cost of P9.5 billion.
“The new Taguig-Baras 500kV line is one of the major transmission network developments for Metro Manila to ensure that the power requirements of the country’s load center will be adequately and reliably served in the long term,” NGCP said.
Along with the new 500-kV line, a new Taguig 500-kV substation will be built plus another 230-kV transmission line traversing Taguig towards Taytay.
NGCP said the route survey for the project has been completed, but with the construction of the new Skyway portion along C-6, coordination meetings are set for the re-routing of a segment of the Taguig-Baras line.
The company said it was also working closely with local governments and various agencies on the initial stage of implementation, which includes the acquisition of right-of-way, securing of permits, and submission of required documents.
“We are hoping for the cooperation and support of the public as we aim for the timely completion of the project which will greatly benefit our customers in Metro Manila, Rizal, and nearby provinces,” it said.
The project is awaiting approval from the Energy Regulatory Commission. It is set to start construction by February 2019 and is targeted for completion by August 2020. — Victor V. Saulon
