Napocor moves to boost power supply in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines — State-run National Power Corp. (Napocor) has switched on Power Barge (PB) 108 to augment power supply in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Napocor said it transferred the two-megawatt (MW) PB 108 from Camotes Island in Cebu and moored the power asset in Lamitan City to address the rising power demand in the city.

The transfer became possible after Camotes Island secured its power needs from a private generator following a successful competitive selection process.

In a statement, Lamitan City Vice Mayor Oric Furigay said it has been their longest wish for the barge to augment the city’s power supply.

Before the year ends, Napocor said the power barge will have a total of three MW dependable capacity which will bring the total supply of Basilan to 14.5 MW.

NPC generates and supplies power to the 13 municipalities of the province through its Basilan diesel power plant, PB 119, and PB 108.

Napocor, as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 or Republic Act 9136, is tasked to bring light to far-flung islands and communities in the country.

It manages and operates the transmission line systems of six provinces such as Palawan, Catanduanes, Masbate, Marinduque, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro.