TACLOBAN CITY — To address persistent power interruptions and strengthen the province’s energy security, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has begun the pre-construction phase of a new electricity transmission loop connecting Calbayog City, Allen, and Catarman in Northern Samar.
Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan welcomed the development, saying the project is expected to significantly reduce the frequency and duration of brownouts in the province. He described the transmission loop as a long-term infrastructure investment that has been in the pipeline since his term as provincial governor.
The Calbayog–Allen–Catarman transmission loop will complement the existing Calbayog–Lope de Vega–Catarman line by providing an alternative power route during line outages and system disturbances. NGCP said the added loop will improve system flexibility and enhance the overall reliability of electricity supply in Northern Samar.
As part of the project, NGCP will construct a five-hectare substation in the municipality of Victoria and a two-hectare switching station in Catarman. These facilities are designed to reinforce the transmission network and support the province’s increasing power demand.
NGCP noted that the additional loop is critical in maintaining electricity supply when disruptions occur along the Palanas–Cara segment of the Lope de Vega route.
With the Allen loop in place, power can be rerouted to prevent prolonged outages affecting households, businesses, and public facilities.
The Victoria substation is also expected to play a key role in integrating renewable energy into the grid. It will serve as a connection point for power generated by ongoing renewable energy projects, including the 206-megawatt Lihangin Wind Power Project currently under construction.
Officials said the project is part of broader efforts to modernize Northern Samar’s power infrastructure, improve energy resilience, and support the province’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
