Transmission line that will improve Samar power supply near completion — NGCP

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) said on Wednesday that it is close to complete the Ormoc-Babatngon 138-kilovolt (kV) line that is aimed to strengthen the transmission of electricity in the Visayas.

“This line reinforcement strengthens transmission services in Eastern Visayas, particularly improving power supply delivery to Samar. It is NGCP’s continuing commitment to upgrade and improve of the country’s transmission network, especially with the constantly growing demand for power,” the company said in a statement.

The transmission line — built at a cost of P697.6 million as approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission — is one of two components that make up the Leyte-Samar transmission corridor. The line is single-circuit at present.

Power grid operator NGCP said planned or unplanned outages along the line result in a loss of power for the Samar provinces, which remains heavily reliant on power supply from other islands.

“The construction of the second circuit will ensure the reliability of transmission services in the area and will minimize the occurrences of prolonged power interruptions,” it said.

The project involves the expansion of the Ormoc and Babatngon substations in Leyte aside from the construction of another overhead transmission line spanning nearly 80 kilometers.

Sy-led NGCP said that with the construction of a remaining tower and stringing of the line now 94% complete, “improvements on the substation are now about to take place and is expected to be finished before the year ends.”

The project gives way to a stronger transmission corridor from geothermal plants and other generating capacities in Leyte to Samar island. Distribution utilities in the two islands are set to benefit from the upgrading of the said transmission line. — Victor V. Saulon