PIA Press Release
Tuesday, January 31, 2012NGCP to install additional power transmission line in Cagayan Valleyby Oliver BaccayTUGUEGARAO CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is set to install 230 KV power transmission line 2 to provide N-1 or new line for the existing transmission line serving Cagayan and Isabela. Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, spokesperson and adviser for external affairs, said this project involves the installation of a second circuit from Santiago City to Tuguegarao City substations bypassing Gamu substations. She said they observed that Cagayan Valley is very vulnerable to weather disturbances such as super typhoons that affect transmission of electricity to the cooperatives that is why they need to establish another line to serve as alternative in case line 1 will be heavily damaged. "This new line will provide reliability as tripping of existing Santiago-Gamu and Gamu-Tuguegarao 230 KV lines will no longer result in the isolation of the customers at the load end substation in the area," Alabanza explained. Alabanza said the plan was conceptualized after the typhoon “Juan” in 2010 wherein several posts were severely damaged. Further, Alabanza said the project will benefit the northeastern part of the grid by providing reliable power supply. "This shall also serve as the first step in strengthening this part of the grid as Cagayan is also among the areas identified to be rich in renewable energy potential particularly wind," she added. Alabanza likewise stated that they have acquired new helicopter to be utilized in emergency restorations anywhere in the country, especially in the typhoon-prone areas like Cagayan Valley. She also explained that NGCP is linked with the state grid of China, their partner investor, that is very much ready to provide technologies and other needs in times of restorations and rehabilitations, while NGCP assures manpower and equipments. Aside from these, NGCP is also set to replace smaller lines and old posts to ensure stability of transmission lines. (PIA 2) | 
