The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has recently energized new power transformers in various substations as part of the second phase of its North Luzon Substation Upgrading Project aimed at further improving power transmission services.
NGCP activated a 100-MVA transformer in San Esteban Substation in Ilocos Sur and another 100-MWA transformer in Tuguegarao Substation in Cagayan in February. Additionally, a 100-MV transformer was energized in Laoag Substation in Ilocos Norte on 15 March 2023.
According to the company, the upgrading of these substations aims to cater to load growth and provide N-1 contingency to substations in NGCP’s North Luzon Region, ensuring that customers will not experience power interruptions in case of existing transformer and power circuit breaker failure. The Philippine Grid Code requires an N-1 contingency as a necessary measure to maintain grid stability.
NGCP plans to upgrade its substations in other areas such as Nueva Vizcaya, La Union, Isabela, Tarlac, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Zambales.
NGCP says the overall substation upgrading project has already been filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission, with a total project cost of PHP9.93 billion ($179 million US).
