Probabilities of rotational brownouts could wreck some parts in the Visayas, as system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) raised alarm on the critical state of overloading at the 69-kilovolt (kV) Amlan-Siaton transmission line in the grid.

Prompted by that dilemma, NGCP has sought for immediate help from relevant government agencies and key stakeholders in Negros Oriental for the targeted timely completion of the 138kV Amlan-Dumaguete line, so the load at the Amlan-Siaton line could be eased.

As that transmission facility gets severely strained, NGCP warned that “localized manual load dropping or rotating power interruptions might occur at any time if the project is not finished soon.”

According to the transmission operator, “the existing Amlan-Siaton 69kV line serving Negros Oriental, including Dumaguete City, is already overloaded,” emphasizing that the carrying capacity surpassed limits at 69 megawatts from typically at 58MW.

To advance the project, NGCP has been coordinating with the provincial government of Negros Oriental, local distribution utilities as well as host communities to extend warranted help in the timely completion and energization of the facility.

The company emphasized that it somehow gained support from the provincial leadership for the required permits – and it is expecting them to be issued soon.

NGCP emphasized that “this energy project of national significance will address the limitations of the existing Amlan-Siaton 69kV line, the low voltage incidents, and mitigate potential recurring and prolonged power interruptions in the area.”

Based on the company’s filing with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for capital outlay, the project’s completion had been originally slated for September 2024, but resistance from the host community has been throwing timelines up in the air.

“Local resistance to the project compelled the grid operator to file a motion to extend the completion date to January 2026,” the transmission firm stressed.

Upon its completion and commercial operations, the transmission facility will also “accommodate the growing power demand in Dumaguete City and the province of Negros Oriental,” which is touted as among the solar development hubs of the country.