NGCP’s commitment to public service: Substation improvements and consumer advocacy

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is aiming to address any misperceptions regarding the calculation of consumer rates and assure the public that their interests are a top priority.

In a statement, NGCP emphasized its unwavering commitment to serving the public within the confines of its concession and franchise, as it announced an investment of P6.47 billion in substation enhancements.

NGCP underscored its focus on the public’s welfare, asserting that financial considerations take a back seat to their commitment to providing the best service possible.

The company highlighted its ongoing efforts to upgrade substation facilities nationwide through reliability projects, all of which have been filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

Although many of these projects have been implemented since 2016, they have yet to receive provisional approval from the ERC.

However, NGCP proceeded with their implementation due to operational necessities, temporarily setting aside the matter of recovery approvals from the regulatory body.

Since assuming transmission operations in 2009, NGCP has invested P3.289 billion in upgrading 15 substations and converter stations, located in various areas including Taytay, Binan, Quezon, Abaga, Mexico, San Jose, Sucat, Compostela, Davao, Ormoc, Naga, Araneta, Agus 2, Calaca, Agus 6, and Tiwi A and C.

These enhancements have been vital in accommodating the growing load demand and enhancing the system’s reliability.

NGCP has also undertaken power transformer replacements to modernize aging transformers that were installed prior to the transmission grid’s privatization.

From 2018 to 2021, a total of 33 power transformers were replaced, resulting in improved operational efficiency and reliability across substations.

The replacements include 12 transformers in North Luzon, four in the National Capital Region (NCR), five in South Luzon, three in Visayas, and nine in Mindanao, with an equipment cost of $37.7 million or approximately P1.8 billion.

Additionally, NGCP procured 14 spare power transformers worth $14.6 million or around P764 million, which were delivered to substations in North Luzon, South Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

These measures ensure preparedness for potential disruptions caused by both man-made and natural calamities that may impact the continuous transmission of power.