TRANSMISSION firm National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the assistance of stakeholders and the government to expedite the completion of the Amlan-Dumaguete 138-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line that will mitigate potential power interruptions caused by the overloading of the Amlan-Siaton 69kV line.

According to NGCP, the existing Amlan-Siaton line serving Negros Oriental, including Dumaguete, is already overloaded at 69 megawatts (MW) as of April 25, 2024, or beyond the normal limit of 58 MW.

NGCP added that the project application submitted to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) initially targeted the completion of the Amlan-Dumaguete line by September. However, resistance to the project at the local level compelled the transmission firm to file a motion to extend the completion date to January 2026.

"We are currently working with the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental, local distribution utilities and local stakeholders to complete and energize this line as soon as possible," NGCP said in a statement.

"We are grateful to Gov. Manuel Sagarbarria for supporting NGCP, and we are eagerly awaiting the issuance of the needed permits," it added.

NGCP said that the completion of the Amlan-Dumaguete line would help address the limitations of the existing Amlan-Siaton line and mitigate potential recurring and prolonged power interruptions in the area. Also, the completion of the line will accommodate the growing power demand in Negros Oriental, including in Dumaguete.