NGCP to energize major lines this year

CEBU, Philippines — The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is set to energize several major transmission projects this year following the completion of critical components, including facility upgrades, expansions, and improvements to ensure grid stability and reliability.

Among the projects targeted for completion this year are the Amlan-Dumaguete 138kV transmission line, with an approved cost of P1.9 billion; the Tuguegarao-Lal-lo (Magapit) 230kV line, costing P2.4 billion; the Tuy 500/230kV Substation Stage 1, part of the Tuy-Dasmariñas 500kV transmission line component, with funding of P8.1 billion; the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV transmission line, with a cost of P4.2 billion; and the Tacurong-Kalamansig 69kV transmission line, costing P757.98 million.

NGCP will also complete Stage 2 of its Visayas Substation Reliability Project, as well as the relocation of steel poles along the Hermosa-Duhat 230kV transmission line, within the year.

These projects aim to address economic drivers such as load growth, system reliability and security, power quality, and the integration of new generating plants, both renewable and non-renewable. They will also complement major initiatives, including power grid backbones and island interconnections.

In 2025, NGCP completed the upgrading and expansion of 14 substations to enhance grid reliability and stability.

Notable upgrades include the Castillejos Substation, now equipped with a 1,000MVA transformer, and new 300MVA transformers installed at the Calaca and Concepcion Substations.

Several other substations, including Corella, Toril, Pitogo, Maramag, Dingle, Calbayog, and Paranas, received 100MVA transformers, while the Davao Substation received a 150MVA transformer. The San Jose and Mabinay Substations were upgraded with 50MVA transformers. A 100MVA expansion at NGCP’s Iloilo Substation, part of the Panay-Guimaras Interconnection Project, was completed in April 2025.

Voltage improvement initiatives were also carried out at the Tigaon, Malvar, Baybay Load-end Station, Sta. Barbara, and Zamboanga Substations.

“These accomplishments reflect NGCP’s commitment to delivering safe, secure, and reliable power transmission services,” the company said in a statement.

"We take our obligations under our franchise and concession agreement seriously. Despite ongoing challenges in right-of-way acquisition and permitting, we remain committed to the work ahead and are optimistic about completing these projects within the year,” they added.

NGCP also renewed its call for support from the Department of Energy, other government agencies, and local government units (LGUs) to expedite the approval and release of necessary permits for the implementation of critical transmission projects.

“We continue to seek the support of government agencies and LGUs by ensuring the expedited release of permits related to our projects. Their assistance is vital to ensuring unhampered project implementation,” NGCP said.

These efforts highlight NGCP’s continued focus on strengthening the country’s transmission network to meet growing demand and ensure reliable electricity delivery nationwide. IHM (CEBU NEWS)