THE National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is steadily advancing the construction of two major energy projects aimed at resolving the overloaded transmission lines and ensuring a reliable electricity supply across Cebu and Mactan Island.
During the NGCP Power 101 Forum, held on July 31, 2025, at Bai Hotel, NGCP-Visayas Transmission Planning Manager Michael Baylosis reported that the Cebu-Lapu-Lapu 230-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line Project is now 68 percent complete, while the Lapu-Lapu 230kV Substation Project has reached 69 percent.
Both projects are expected to be fully operational by December 2026.
Baylosis explained that the existing 138kV transmission lines connecting Cebu to Mactan Island have long been overloaded due to the province’s rapid growth and increasing power demand.
These older lines are no longer sufficient to support the rising load, which has affected grid stability in the area.
Although the exact current capacity of the 138kV lines wasn’t disclosed, Baylosis confirmed that the new 230kV facilities will significantly increase the system’s capacity and reduce congestion.
He said the projects are moving on schedule and are part of NGCP’s broader plan to modernize the power grid in Cebu and ensure that power delivery keeps pace with economic expansion.
To support the anticipated load growth and improve overall grid reliability, the NGCP is also expanding several key substations across Cebu.
These include the substations in Barangay Calongcalong, Toledo City; Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City; Samboan; Daanbantayan; Compostela, and Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City.
Baylosis noted that these upgrades will enhance voltage stability, reduce the risk of outages, and better prepare the transmission system for future demand.
“These two are crucial in addressing the power congestion from Cebu to Mactan, and they are progressing on schedule,” said Baylosis.
He also clarified that while Cebu currently experiences tight power conditions, backup supply can be sourced from other islands.
Luzon is capable of supplying up to 400 megawatts, and Mindanao can contribute around 450 megawatts—enough to cover temporary deficiencies.
Power interruptions, if any, are expected to last only two to three hours and are unlikely during the cooler months of September to October, when industrial maintenance work typically reduces demand.
However, Baylosis said challenges continue to slow down some projects.
These include right-of-way issues, rerouting requests, delays in securing permits, and regulatory bottlenecks that hamper timely implementation.
Alongside construction efforts, the NGCP is also focused on community education and infrastructure protection.
Pilferage
A growing concern is the pilferage of transmission tower parts and cables, which poses a serious safety hazard and weakens the integrity of the grid—especially during typhoons or earthquakes.
“Pilferage is a major threat. Even stealing something as small as a bolt can compromise the entire structure,” warned Cynthia Perez-Alabanza, NGCP Assistant Vice President and Head of the Public Relations Department.
In Cebu, such incidents are reportedly less frequent due to increased public awareness and visible warning signage.
Marcelino Bagasolon II, NGCP’s District 2 Operations and Maintenance Manager, credited ongoing information drives for helping communities understand the dangers of tampering with power facilities.
The NGCP reminded residents to avoid activities that could damage power lines, such as planting trees near towers, lighting fires underneath them, constructing houses beneath transmission corridors, or flying kites nearby.
Even parking or digging near transmission tower foundations can cause structural issues and potential power outages.
Baylosis stressed that while the NGCP continues to invest in modern infrastructure and smart grid technologies, public cooperation remains critical in protecting these assets and ensuring reliable electricity supply. / CAV