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The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is moving forward with plans to construct a new electricity transmission loop in Northern Samar aimed at addressing persistent power interruptions and strengthening the province’s energy security.
The proposed Calbayog–Allen–Catarman, also referred to by local officials as the Catarman–Allen–Victoria Transmission Loop, is designed to complement the existing Calbayog–Lope de Vega–Catarman transmission line by providing an alternative route for electricity flow during outages and system disturbances.
NGCP said the additional loop will improve system flexibility and enhance the overall reliability of power supply across Northern Samar.
Strengthening The Transmission Network
A key component of the project is the construction of a five-hectare substation in the municipality of Victoria, Northern Samar. The substation is intended to reinforce the transmission network and support the province’s growing electricity demand.
NGCP has also proposed building a two-hectare switching station in Catarman, which will serve as another critical element of the loop. The additional transmission route is said to be particularly important in maintaining power supply when disruptions occur along the Palanas–Cara segment of the Lope de Vega route, a section that has been linked to frequent outages affecting several parts of the province.
Once completed, the loop will allow power to be rerouted during line outages, helping prevent prolonged blackouts that disrupt households, businesses, and public facilities.
LGU Coordination
The Northern Samar provincial government said it has been coordinating closely with NGCP and concerned municipal governments to advance preparations for the project. Jhon Allen Berbon, head of the Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), said coordination meetings have focused on technical and logistical requirements for the Victoria substation.
Discussions with the local government unit of Victoria have covered site requirements, land use considerations, access road development, and the support needed from the municipality to move the project forward. Similar coordination meetings were also held with the local government unit of Catarman regarding the proposed switching station.
While NGCP has not disclosed the construction start date, provincial officials said the transmission loop is targeted for completion in 2028.
Addressing Brownouts
Several areas in Northern Samar currently experience power outages at least once a week, according to provincial officials. Berbon said the Victoria substation is expected to play a vital role in reducing brownouts and improving electricity reliability, particularly during system disturbances affecting the Palanas–Cara line between Calbayog City and Catarman.
Beyond improving reliability, the Victoria substation is also designed to support the integration of renewable energy into the grid. NGCP said it will serve as a connection point for power generated by ongoing renewable energy projects, including the 206-megawatt Lihangin Wind Power Project, which is currently under construction.
Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan welcomed the project, describing the transmission loop as a long-term infrastructure investment that has been planned since his tenure as provincial governor. He said the project is expected to significantly reduce the frequency and duration of power outages in the province.
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