NGCP to improve La Union power grid

National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) said it would upgrade its Bacnotan Tap-Bacnotan Substation, particularly the 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, in La Union toward the end of the year to improve the reliability of the North Luzon transmission corridor.

The upgrading project calls for the replacement of about 105 old wood poles with steel pole facilities. “We are targeting to commence the rehabilitation of the Bacnotan Tap-Bacnotan line before the end of the year and expect its completion by the second half of 2014,” NGCP said in a statement.

NGCP said the three-kilometer line segment had been a weak spot in the grid due to its 20-year-old wood pole structures. This makes the line vulnerable to damage, especially during the typhoon season.

Included in the 2012 Transmission Development Plan, the project will address the potential reliability risk to the northwestern transmission corridor, which will directly affect the provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur.

“Part of NGCP’s mandate is to ensure the safe and reliable flow of electricity from the generators to distribution utilities and other directly-connected customers. This project will reinforce our commitment to fulfill our duty and prevent unreliable structures from hampering the delivery of our task,” NGCP said.

NGCP is also conducting wood pole replacements in Visayas to strengthen its lines. As of the end of the first half of 2013, the grid operator already replaced more than 8,000 wood poles with steel poles in various areas in Luzon and the Visayas.

NGCP is a privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining and developing the country’s power grid.