NGCP’s CNP-backbone project to resolve Panay grid’s power issues
By Mary Joy Cavañas
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has conducted the ceremonial energization of the 230-kilovolt (kV) Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) backbone project on April 8, 2024 at NCGP Substation in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.
The backbone project, composed of CNP1, CNP2, CNP3, and Negros-Panay Interconnection Project Line 2 (NPIP L2), aims to strengthen the grid as well as to improve the power transmission’s reliability in the islands of Cebu, Negros, and Panay to support the existing 138kV facilities.
In addition, the said project also aims to give relief and solve the power issues being faced by the Panay Grid and is also considered as one of the most significant transmission infrastructure initiatives by the NGCP.
Present in the ceremony were Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas alongside with Barotac Viejo Mayor Nielo “Bongbong” Tupas, MORE Power Electric Corp. CEO Mr. Roel Castro, NGCP Board of Directors, and other significant people involved in the said project.
Castro commended and recognized NGCP for completing the said project.
“This will be a significant relief for us at MORE Power and the entire Panay Island. Although the capacity is very good, there is a substantial relief for us. However, it is essential to consider whether ancillary services are necessary on the Island of Panay,” Castro said.
The MORE Power CEO stated that the possibility of experiencing another series of power outage similar to what happened last January will be reduced due to the CNP Project. “For consumers, if before the energization of the CNP project there was a 50% probability of experiencing again a 4-day blackout, now the probability is only 10-20%. However, this probability, as it’s called, can still occur. I would attribute it to the configuration or the identification of whether ancillary services are needed on the Island,” Castro added.
On the other hand, Castro explained the ancillary services through the usage of a spare tire’s analogy wherein a spare one will readily replace a tire which became flat. Similar to power industry, once the major power plant is offline, there will be another one to readily replace it in order to prevent the uncertain power outage scenarios to happen just like on April 2023 and January 2024.
Treñas also expressed his gratitude for the completion of NGCP’s backbone project through a Facebook post on April 9.
“As the Mayor of Iloilo City, I am deeply grateful for the completion of NGCP’s CNP Backbone project. This transformative development holds the potential to be the much-needed solution to the power issues our city has been facing. With its enhanced transmission capabilities, I am optimistic that we can now provide a reliable and efficient power supply to our residents, paving the way to a brighter and more prosperous Iloilo,” Treñas stated.
Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also attended the ceremonial energization in Bacolod City alongside with NGCP President Mr. Anthony Almeda, Energy secretary Raphael Lotilla, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez, and Rep. Greg Gasataya, and other important guests.
During his speech, Marcos also recognized NGCP’s effort with regards to the project.
“We must recognize NGCP for the successful completion of CNP. The completion of this project marks a milestone in our pursuit to enhance the resilience and reliability of our power infrastructure, especially in this area. We have to align the different power systems available in Panay and Negros,” said Marcos.
