TACLOBAN CITY— The provincial government of Northern Samar through its Provincial Economic Development and Investment Promotions Office (PEDIPO), in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), has conducted a series of coordination meetings with concerned local government units as part of preparations for the proposed Catarman–Allen–Victoria Transmission Loop, a project aimed at reducing brownouts and improving power reliability in Northern Samar.
Provincial officials said the planned transmission loop is designed to strengthen and add flexibility to the province’s power transmission system by providing alternative routes for electricity during outages, particularly those caused by tripper incidents along the Palanas–Cara transmission line.
Discussions during the meetings focused on system planning, site requirements, land use considerations, and the support needed from local government units to facilitate the implementation of the project. The transmission loop is also expected to support the integration of renewable energy sources and help meet the province’s growing electricity demand.
A coordination meeting with the local government unit of Victoria, attended by NGCP and PEDIPO officials and held in the presence of Mayor Joey Ardales, centered on the proposed construction of a five-hectare substation in the municipality, including the development of an access road.
The Victoria substation was identified as a key component of the transmission loop, as it will provide an alternative power route during system disturbances, particularly those affecting the Palanas–Cara Substation.
Separately, PEDIPO and NGCP also met with the local government unit of Catarman, through the efforts of Mayor Dianne Rosales, to discuss plans for a proposed two-hectare switching station. The meeting tackled the proposed site location and coordination requirements needed to move the project forward.
Once completed, the Catarman switching station is expected to enhance system flexibility and contribute to a more reliable electricity supply for Catarman and nearby communities.
Provincial officials said the coordination activities reflect the Northern Samar provincial government’s commitment to strengthening power infrastructure, supporting renewable energy integration, and improving electricity service across the province.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
