TRANSFORMER BOOSTER TWO 100 MEGAVOLTS

LAOAG CITY, Oct. 4– The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) upgraded the power transformer of its substation to accommodate the growing power generation capacity from the three wind farms in Ilocos Norte.

NGCP’s North-Luzon Public Affairs Officer Lilibeth Gaydowen said Sunday that their company increased the 50 MegaVolt Amperes (50MVA) power transformer to 100 MVA installed in San Esteban Substation in Ilocos Sur.

“The upgraded transformer was energized on September 5, 2015 at 11:30AM in which the San Esteban Substation now has two 100-MVA power transformers,” Gaydowen said.

With this expansion, NGCP boosts the capability and reliability of the power transformer to accommodate the maximum 264 megawatts (MW) power generation capacity from wind farms in Ilocos Norte such as the Energy Development Corporation in Burgos town; the North Luzon Renewable Energy Corporation in Pagudpud town; and the North Luzon Wind Power Corporation in Bangui.

NGCP’s San Esteban Substation is considered a critical link to the grid as it transmits around 280 megawatts to the Luzon Grid.

She said the improved power transformer project also caters to the increasing load demand from connected power customers of the Abra Electric Cooperative (ABRECO), the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO), and the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC).

NGCP is a privately-owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets.

The consortium, which holds the 25-year concession contract to operate the country’s power transmission network, is comprised of Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. led by Henry Sy, Jr., Calaca High Power Corporation led by Robert Coyiuto, Jr., and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) as technical partner. (Freddie G. Lazaro/ PIA – 1Ilocos Norte)