MORE Electric and Power Corp. recognized the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines for advancing work on the third circuit of the Barotac Viejo–Dingle 138-kilovolt (kV) transmission line in Iloilo—a key infrastructure upgrade aimed at boosting Panay Island’s power transmission capacity.
Expected to be finished in June 2025, the upgraded transmission line between Barotac Viejo and Dingle is set to boost Panay Island’s capacity from 360 to 640 megawatts (MW). This reduces the risk of overloading during outages at the Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) power plant in Iloilo City.
MORE Power President Roel Castro underscored the project’s significance, noting that the new line “will also improve overall reliability, benefiting the consumers of MORE Power and all the electric cooperatives in Panay and Guimaras islands.”
He added that the project supports the stability and resilience of the power grid, aligning with MORE Power’s ongoing efforts to modernize and upgrade its distribution network.
The addition of a third circuit introduces critical redundancy, allowing the system to maintain operations even during line outages. This upgrade enhances grid resilience and helps prevent widespread power disruptions for distribution utilities.
The upcoming energization of the Barotac Viejo–Dingle Line 3 reflects the joint commitment of NGCP and MORE Power to strengthen the region’s power infrastructure.
(Also read: Ensuring Reliable Power for Cebu’s Continued Growth)
Previous upgrade
NGCP recently completed the load transfer to a newly commissioned 100 megavolt-ampere (MVA) transformer at its local substation.
The transformer upgrade, made possible through the collaboration between NGCP and MORE Power, is expected to significantly boost the grid’s capacity, ensuring it can meet Iloilo City’s rising energy needs over the next three to four years.
MORE Power, a consistent advocate for expanded grid capacity, hailed the upgrade as vital to supporting Iloilo City’s growth, positioning the area for future investment and sustained economic development.
“This is a significant step forward in ensuring a reliable and robust power grid for Iloilo City,” noted Castro. “This upgrade will provide the necessary capacity to support the city’s growth and attract new investments.”
The newly energized 100MVA transformer doubles the NGCP substation capacity from 50 MVA to 100 MVA. This upgrade directly enhances MORE Power’s network, including its mobile, Megaworld, and Jaro substations, bringing the utility closer to its target of achieving 3x100MVA capacity.
NGCP plans to further boost grid capacity by upgrading another power transformer serving MORE Power’s substations, aiming for a total of 2x100MVA by year-end and 3x100MVA by 2026.
(Also read: Iloilo Launches P2.3-B Waste-to-Energy Plant)
Boosting Iloilo’s economy
The infrastructure upgrade comes at a crucial time, as Iloilo’s urban and economic growth continues to drive increasing energy demand.
NGCP displays its dedication to nationwide transmission reliability and regional development through these projects, which focus on strengthening power infrastructure across the country.
Since assuming control in 2020, MORE Power, Iloilo City’s main electricity distributor, has been overhauling its infrastructure with significant investments. The company has committed billions of pesos to enhance substations, expand distribution lines, and implement advanced metering technologies.
Sources:
https://www.panaynews.net/more-power-commends-ngcps-new-transmission-line-in-iloilo/
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/ngcps-new-transmission-line-to-boost-iloilos-power-reliability
https://dailyguardian.com.ph/ngcp-upgrade-doubles-power-capacity-for-iloilo-city