Meralco phases out old Makati substation

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is phasing out another ageing substation in Metro Manila as part of its conversion program to enhance power delivery service and further bring down system loss.

Meralco filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) seeking authority to retire the more than 45-year-old Makati Substation located at the corner of Kakarong St. and Pablo Ocampo Sr. Ave. extension.

If approved by ERC, Meralco ensures power supply will not be interrupted since the load of electricity will be transferred to other facilities, such as the power circuits in New Rockwell, Paco and Kamagong areas.

The project is part of the company’s voltage standardization program aimed at reducing technical system loss, improving flexibility and reliability of electrical service.

 “…(T)he conversion of the loads of Makati Substation to 34.5 kV will result in the reduction of technical system loss and improvement of the electric service by phasing out isolated odd-voltage system,” Meralco said.

System loss refers to unbilled power caused by pilferage and physical loss of energy when electricity passes through distribution lines.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has been studying the possibility of removing the burden on consumers to pay for system loss charges, which is allowed under Republic Act 7832, or the Anti-Electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994.

Currently, Meralco’s system loss is 6.46 percent, way below the system loss cap at 9.5 percent for privately-owned distribution utilities set by the ERC.