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Visayan Electric Co., the Philippines’ second-largest distribution utility, is boosting investments to improve Cebu’s power reliability. The company is advancing network upgrades, implementing digital monitoring technologies, and implementing other service improvements to meet the growing demand across its franchise area.
(Also read: Visayas Faces Higher Costs Amid Power Strain)
Ongoing improvements
According to Nico Arancillo, Assistant Vice President for Engineering and Technical Support, the utility has implemented a looped substation network, added 80 circuit kilometers of sub-transmission lines, and deployed SCADA-enabled smart devices to enable remote monitoring and faster fault detection, thereby enhancing overall grid resilience.
Arancillo also highlighted two new substations, energized in 2025 in Cebu City and Carcar, which together add 66 megavolt-amperes (MVA) to the grid and are expected to enhance capacity and reliability for the region’s growing electricity demand.
To reduce outages from foliage and debris, Visayan Electric installed semi-insulated “tree wires” and expanded vegetation management programs. Arancillo emphasized that these initiatives, combined with capacity building and digital innovations, are part of the utility’s effort to “deliver smarter and more sustainable power for Cebu.”
A 10-circuit kilometer transmission line was completed earlier this year to strengthen service for Consolacion and Southport, while construction continues on the 12-circuit kilometer Naga–San Fernando line. The latter is slated to come online alongside the new Don Sergio Osmeña Sr. substation.
In the next five years, the utility plans to add 561 MVA of new capacity to its network and expand the San Roque facility in Talisay City. By 2027, it aims to double the capacity of its Cebu substation from 100 MVA to 200 MVA, further bolstering power reliability across its franchise area.
Additionally, an underground distribution system has been extended, with completed sections along Osmeña Boulevard and Fuente Osmeña, and new developments planned at South Road Properties. Arancillo added that the utility is pursuing digital transformation, introducing apps and platforms to simplify customer connections, billing, and service agreements, alongside a project launch for cutting-edge metering infrastructure.
“Our commitment has always been to serve our community better,” stated Arancillo. “By building capacity, strengthening reliability, and embracing digital innovation, we aim to deliver smarter and more sustainable power for Cebu.”
The company currently caters to over 500,000 consumers in its 674-square-kilometer service area, covering Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay, and Naga cities, along with the municipalities of Liloan, Consolacion, Minglanilla, and San Fernando.
(Also read: Cebu Leaders Sound Alarm: Unified Energy Plan Needed Now)
Commemorative exhibit
Visayan Electric celebrated its 120th anniversary with the “Legacy of Lights” exhibit at Ayala Center Cebu from September 22 to 28. The showcase featured photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia tracing Cebu’s electrification history and foreshadowed a forthcoming coffee table book by historian Dr. Jobers Reynes Bersales.
“For 120 years, Visayan Electric has been a partner in Cebu’s journey, delivering reliable, safe, and reasonably priced electricity,” said Anton Mari Perdices, AboitizPower Chief Operating Officer for Distribution Utilities.
He also highlighted Visayan Electric’s corporate social responsibility initiatives, including classroom rewiring, scholarships, women’s livelihood support, digital inclusion, watershed restoration, and disaster relief efforts.
Sources:
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/visayan-electric-adds-new-substations-upgrades-network