Power coop tests project on systems loss reduction

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – The Negros Oriental 2 Electric Cooperative (NORECO 2) is now piloting a project that aims to reduce systems loss, which would result in lower power bills for consumers.

The project, carried out in partnership with Green Core Geothermal Inc. (GCGI) and Data Logic Systems Corp., was first presented during the 3rd Cebu Energy Efficiency forum held last Tuesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu City, which focused on “Sustaining The Energy Efficiency Initiatives in the Philippines.”

The system loss project engages modern technology and the use of “smart gadgets” to reduce cost and improve efficiency of NORECO 2, and resolve problems that cause systems loss in the pilot area, according to Eleuterio Tale, Jr., area sub-manager of NORECO 2’s Tanjay Sub-Office in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

The sub-station is the site of the pilot project, because Tanjay City ranked first in NORECO 2’s coverage area in terms of having the highest systems loss, while Dumaguete City has the highest usage of electricity.

The presentation in Cebu City showed at least three areas covered by the project, such as reduction of losses in electric power systems, improved safety, and monitoring and response time during glitches in the electrification systems.

Data Logics, a Manila-based solutions provider, has developed the Guardian System process for the NORECO 2-GCGI project. It utilizes smart devices and technology, such as SMS (or text messaging) and a server to provide real time information to the cooperative on the distribution transformers in Tanjay City being tested for the pilot project.

The program features preliminary data analysis, team workshops and consultations, pilot site identification and testing, and verification and commercialization. One of the potential impacts to NORECO 2, when the Guardian System is fine tuned, is that about P600,000 will be added to its monthly revenues for every one percent reduction of systems loss.

A reduction in systems loss would also mean a reduction in the consumers’ bills. System losses of 13 percent and below are passed on to the consumers, the excess of which is shouldered by NORECO 2.

It will further improve the safety for consumers who face the risk of faulty meters that would damage properties, while the project will result in improved monitoring capability and shorter response time for repairs and maintenance.

Carlos Juan Paolo Vega, power and carbon markets policy officer of First Gen Corporation (the mother unit of GCGI), said the project was actually launched in October last year. At least 120 households served by two distribution transmitters were clustered, along with their individual electric meters, passing through one mother meter.

Vega explained that electric meters strategically located or installed closer to a distribution transmitter would translate to a reduced line systems loss. The pilot project will be limited only to Tanjay as yet, but once it is finalized and perfected, it will also be applied to other areas under the NORECO 2 coverage, he said.

The GCGI is funding the project as part of its thrust to help its client electric cooperatives improve on their energy efficiency systems. NORECO 2 is one of its biggest clients in the country. (FREEMAN)