THE NATIONAL GRID Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it energized an expanded substation and transmission line in Bataan, ensuring more reliable transmission of power in the province.
The privately-owned grid operator said the facilities, which are components of the 230-kilovolt (kV) Bataan grid reinforcement project, include transmission line 3 for the Hermosa, Bataan combined cycle power plant, and its substation bay 81.
It said the facilities strengthened power transmission and the dispatch of the full capacity of existing and incoming generating plants.
“With the continuous load growth to service the rising demand for power in Luzon, particularly in Bataan and the nearby province of Pampanga, there is a need to increase the capacity of the existing 230-kV corridor to improve transmission services in the area,” the company said in a statement on Wednesday.
It said the energization of the Bataan 230kV grid reinforcement project allowed the system to meet demand and enabled the more stable and reliable power distribution to its customers.
NGCP, which is in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, said the project aims to accommodate the connection of the 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Limay, Bataan.
The project has an approved cost of P3.3 billion from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). It is included in the list of energy projects of national significance (EPNS) in January 2019 of the Energy Investment Coordinating Council, which is led by the Department of Energy (DoE).
“This project will help address low voltage concerns in Luzon, if any, and improve the quality of power transmitted to distribution utilities, industries, and businesses which we serve in the area,” NGCP said.
NGCP said the project complies with the “N-1 standard” set by the Philippine Grid Code, which is the grid’s ability to withstand a major system disturbance with minimal disruption.
The other components of the Bataan 230-kV project, such as the Limay substation and San Rafael substation are up for completion by the third quarter of 2019, it said.
“We continue to appeal for the support and cooperation of the public, especially the local government units, to help us achieve our target energization for these projects which will greatly benefit our customers by ensuring the stable and uninterrupted transmission of power across the grid,” NGCP said.
NGCP, which is controlled by majority shareholders Henry T. Sy, Jr. and Robert G. Coyiuto, Jr., has 29 projects designated as EPNS by the DoE-led council.
In all, the projects have a total ERC-approved cost of P90.291 billion. They will enjoy a faster permitting process, including immediate and automatic approval of applications within five working days. — Victor V. Saulon
