MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has implemented a comprehensive grid enhancement program, which it said prevented major transmission-related issues for the duration of the hot summer months.
NGCP said the Luzon grid reached its highest peak load demand of 10,876 megawatts (MW) last May 28, breaching this year’s peak demand forecast of 10,561 MW set by the Department of Energy (DOE) in its Power Development Plan (PDP).
However, the company said it made preparations to ensure continuous supply of power, anticipating the yearly increase in demand especially in the country’s capital load center.
“Our grid operations and maintenance plan, along with our blackout drill and generator’s conference, are important tools in our preparedness for the peak load months not only for Luzon, but also for Visayas and Mindanao during the year’s end,” NGCP said.
The grid operator has also implemented transmission projects and major improvements in the Luzon grid to help manage power transmission services.
These include the Santiago-Tuguegarao 230 kilo-Volt (kV) transmission line, the relocation of towers of the San Esteban-Laoag 230kV line, the Eastern Albay 69kV line, and various substation upgrading projects.
Moving forward, NGCP said it would continue to provide reliable power transmission services through the proper execution of its mandate to excellently operate, efficiently maintain, and continuously expand the country’s transmission network.
NGCP’s critical projects, such as the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project, the Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnection project, and various 500kV transmission line projects in Luzon are key factors in the improvement of the country’s transmission highway.
“Every year, we see an aggressive rise in load growth, which means our country is developing at such a fast pace. The continuous support of energy stakeholders, local government units, and the public is the most crucial aspect of the planning and execution of all our activities, and with combined efforts, we will be able to fulfill our mandate and ultimately bridge power and the progress of the nation,” it said.
NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyiuto Jr.