NGCP: Significant progress in three major infra projects

CEBU, Philippines — The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has reported significant progress in three major energy infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing power reliability and capacity in Cebu and Mactan Island.

The NGCP has identified the overloading of the existing 138kV transmission lines supplying power from Cebu to Mactan Island as a critical issue affecting the province’s power reliability.

According to Michael Baylosis, manager of NGCP- Visayas Transmission Planning, the increasing demand and forecasted load growth in Cebu have underscored the urgent need to strengthen the grid's capacity.

To address this, NGCP is expanding several substations across Cebu, including Calong Calong Substation, Toledo Substation, Umapad Substation, Samboan Substation, Daanbantayan Substation, Compostela Substation, and Pusok Substation.

Baylosis said during the Power 101 attended by media personalities and government information officers that the benefits of the expansion include improved power reliability and delivery, sufficient support for Cebu’s growing energy demand, and enhanced system stability throughout the province.

“These projects aim to secure the future of Cebu’s energy infrastructure and support its continued economic development,” Baylosis said.

He confirmed that the Cebu-Lapu-Lapu 230kV Transmission Line Project is currently at 68 percent complete, while the Lapu-Lapu 230kV Substation Project has reached 69 percent completion. Both projects are slated for completion by December 2026.

“These two are crucial in addressing the power congestion from Cebu to Mactan, and they’re progressing on schedule,” Baylosis said.

The third initiative, the Visayas Substation Upgrading Project (VSUP), is also underway. While exact figures were not provided, Baylosis noted that some sites are already under construction, while procurement is ongoing in other areas.

These projects form part of NGCP’s long-term efforts to resolve overloading issues in the province’s 138kV transmission lines and to support the growing electricity demand across Cebu.

Amid the rollout of major transmission and substation projects in the province, NGCP underscored the need for greater understanding and support from local government units (LGUs) and stakeholders.

Baylosis clarified that while the grid systems across regions are interconnected, it is still more efficient for power generation facilities to be located closer to where demand is highest.

“For example, if Cebu has a demand of 1,300 MW, ideally, the generation capacity within Cebu should match or exceed that,” he said adding that “there is interconnection, but proximity still ensures better efficiency and reliability.”

On the issue of delays in right-of-way acquisition, rerouting, and permitting processes, Atty. Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, NGCP AVP and Public Relations Department head, was careful not to accuse local government units of being uncooperative.

“I wouldn’t say they’re uncooperative. There are just some clarifications that need to be made. That’s why we make efforts to meet with chief executives and explain who we are and what we do,” said Alabanza.

NGCP described itself as a private company operating as a public utility with a congressional franchise and a government concession, tasked with developing and maintaining public infrastructure critical to national development.

“Transmission is fundamental, yes. You can’t build a power plant in the middle of Cebu City. You need a delivery system to bring electricity from remote production sites to urban load centers. Without reliable transmission, there’s no stable power—and without stable power, there’s no economic activity,” she said.

Alabanza also acknowledged the public’s skepticism, especially from property owners who may view transmission towers as hazards or inconveniences. But she reiterated that energy infrastructure is a vital enabler of growth and that misunderstandings can be addressed through better communication.

To support this goal, NGCP pointed to Executive Order No. 30, which mandates LGUs to act on permits for Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS) within 30 days.

“With your help in the media, we hope to get the message across that this is not about taking sides but about balancing the interests of all stakeholders, consumers, landowners, and the energy industry,” Alabanza said

Alabanza also raised alarm over the persistent threat of pilferage involving tower components and transmission lines, warning that such acts pose serious safety risks and can compromise power infrastructure especially during natural disasters.

“Pilferage happens through tower parts and cables. Not only is this a danger to those attempting to steal for quick profit, but it also puts entire communities at risk. Even taking just a bolt can weaken the tower’s integrity,” said Alabanza.

In Cebu, NGCP acknowledged that such incidents are less frequent due visible safety signages and increased community awareness.

“We constantly remind the public that these structures are vital and dangerous when tampered with,” said Marcelino Bagasolon II, NGCP manager of District 2 Operations and Maintenance.

However, Alabanza also clarified that it does not have police power to evict settlers or act on illegal structures around transmission towers.

Alabanza said that while NGCP plays a key role in interconnecting island provinces through high-voltage transmission lines, the electrification of far-flung or remote communities falls under the jurisdiction of distribution utilities.

However, Alabanza expressed readiness to support broader electrification if officially directed.

“Should there be a directive to interconnect more island communities, NGCP will be up to the task,” she added. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JG

Baylosis also explained that power alerts are largely caused by unplanned or emergency shutdowns of power plants, rather than scheduled interruptions.

NGCP implements a Grid Operating and Maintenance Program (GOMP) to coordinate maintenance schedules across the energy sector.

Baylosis further said that as part of its digital modernization efforts, the NGCP is set to expand and upgrade its Isabel Substation in Leyte into a smart grid facility within the next 5 to 10 years.

“This is part of our commitment to future-proofing the grid. We will integrate smart grid technologies in select substations like the one in Isabel,” he said.

However, when asked about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), NGCP clarified that it is still in the early stages of assessment. JG (CEBU NEWS)