NGCP energizes Toril transformer in Mindanao

Transmission firm National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has energized 100-megavolt ampere (MVA) Toril power transformer in Mindanao, a component of the ₱10.56-billion substation upgrading projectphase 2 being pursued in the southernmost power grid.

According to the company, the Toril substation caters to the franchise area of Davao Light and Power Company, an Aboitiz-led power utility servicing the electricity requirements of Davao City.

“The energization of the transformer in Toril, as well as the energization of high voltage equipment and facilities all over Mindanao, will boost the grid’s overall reliability," the transmission firm said.

It expounded that “these upgrading efforts are ultimately geared towards readying the grid for the influx of businesses, industries, and investments in the region.”

Under the filing for regulatory approval, the capital outlay set for MUSP was at ₱5.56 billion for the second phase; and the initial phase had a budget of ₱5.0 billion.

NGCP noted the 100MVA power transformer has been the first, out of the programmed 10 substation upgrading ventures to be done in Mindanao grid.

The next ones in the roll are those in Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, North Cotabato, and South Cotabato – and the overarching goal will be to prevent the occurrence of power outages in these areas.

Transformers are essential component of a power system as these provide voltage conversion, transmission, distribution, interconnection, power quality control and protection in the network.

NGCP claimed that the project “will address the N-1 compliance for the Mindanao grid” – that is in reference to the ability of the power grid to operate even if one component or element of a system fails.

The company explained that “for the first stage of the Mindanao substation upgrading project, power transformers with a 100MVA rating were energized in NGCP’S Agus 6, Pitogo, Placer, Nagamin, and General Santos substations.”

In addition, power transformers with a 75MVA rating had been energized in Polanco, Opol, and Maramag substations; then the 50MVA power transformers in San Francisco, Bislig, and Kidapawan substations.

NGCP said it also installed capacitor banks in Butuan, Tacurong, Pitogo, General Santos, San Francisco, and Placer substations.