NGCP to complete Cebu-Bohol interconnection by yearend

MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP)’s new transmission project that will connect Cebu and Bohol is expected to be completed by December this year, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

With a transfer capacity of 600 megawatts (MW), the Cebu-Bohol 230-kiloVolt (kV) interconnection project aims to boost supply reliability in the Bohol grid by providing direct access to bulk generation from Cebu, in addition to the existing Leyte-Bohol submarine cable.

The DOE welcomed on Tuesday the energization of the project’s transmission lines, Dumanjug-Corella 230-kV Line 1 and Dumanjug 70-megavolt ampere reactive.

“This milestone is crucial for Bohol, where electricity demand has been increasing with the influx of tourists in the province known for its signature attractions, white-sand beach areas and diving spots,” the DOE said.

The project is also expected to help in addressing the congestion in the Leyte-Bohol 138-kV interconnection as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of high electricity prices on consumers.

“Ensuring sufficient transmission capacity is crucial for the country’s economic development, as it promotes a reliable power supply that supports economic growth and investment,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.

Over the past year, the NGCP has completed several big-ticket projects, which include the P52-billion Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project and the P67-billion Cebu-Negros-Panay project.