NGCP eyes completion of more projects; Mindanao-Visayas interconnection among priorities

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is eyeing to complete several interconnections and upgrading projects this year, including those in Misamis Oriental and other areas in Mindanao.

NGCP said it expects to finish the 230-kilovolt (kV) substation in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental, within the year. The substation is part of the ongoing Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), which began in January 2024.

“These achievements reflect NGCP’s strong commitment to advancing our grid infrastructure to ensure a more stable and resilient power supply for households, businesses, and industries,” NGCP said.

The company also aims to complete the Tacurong-Kalamansig 69-kV Transmission Line Project in Sultan Kudarat and several other grid improvement projects.

The MVIP, inaugurated in January 2024, is a key initiative to enhance power connectivity between Mindanao and Visayas.

NGCP renewed its call for the swift resolution and approval of pending applications with the Energy Regulatory Commission, noting that delays affect the company’s operations and project timelines.

Earlier, the NGCP said it is currently increasing the wind rating of its transmission lines to meet the impacts of super typhoons in the country.

The upgrading centered on areas frequently hit by destructive typhoons, such as the Samar provinces, Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, Surigao provinces, and Agusan provinces.

Before Super Typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas in 2013, the NGCP towers were designed to withstand a wind speed of 180 kph.

New overhead transmission lines can withstand winds of up to 300 kph to ensure the reliability of power transmission services even after destructive calamities.

The NGCP is the only transmission business in the country, with more than 21,000 circuit km. of lines, 20,000 transmission towers, and 140 substations.

NGCP PHOTO