DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) — The Provincial Micro Small Medium Enterprises Development Council (PMSMEDC) has issued a resolution supporting the Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (NOCCI) proposal to relocate the original plan of the power substation of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) in Barangay Palinpinon, Valencia.
The business group is pressing NGCP on building a new power transmission line as the current 69 kilovolt (kV) line is at critical levels already.
However, NOCCI president Edward Du said the transmission firm should consider the Plan B option, which the business group has proposed to look for other alternatives to complete the 138KV line before the power worsens in the province with rotating power interruptions.
To address these challenges, both the Negros Oriental Electric Cooperative II (NORECO 2) and NOCCI are proposing to fast track the construction of a new 138 kV transmission line to alleviate the congestion of the existing 69 kV line.
However, this plan has encountered significant hurdles due to community opposition in Ogahong, Palinpinon where residents have protested against the project, citing lack of proper consultation, health reasons, and worsening right-of-way condition.
In response to the community’s concerns, NORECO-2 as well as NOCCI has submitted an alternative plan, referred to as Plan B, which involves rerouting the transmission line along the national road from Amlan to Sibulan all the way to Bacong town.
“We have to do something as a council otherwise we will continue to experience brownouts that will affect the local economy,” said Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) deputy director Jocelyn Ladero during a PMSMEDC meeting.
Du said the situation is further complicated by the potential for new developments, such as Filinvest’s plan to invest in Bahura Resort, which could add significant demand to an already strained power system.
He said the Plan B is more feasible and efficient since currently, the national road is under repair, of which power wiring can be set up underground all the way to diversion road to Bacong.
“This will no longer affect the residential area of Ogahong, Palinpinon where NGCP now has planned to establish its substation,” said Du.
Currently, both the electric cooperative and business group are seeking support from the provincial council to approve this alternative route.
It may be recalled that in 2022, hundreds of residents and lot owners in Palinpinon, Valencia are strongly protesting the plan of the NGCP’s construction of a high voltage 138 KV transmission lines and substation project citing dislocation, health, and property issues.
Barangay Palinpinon and the municipality of Valencia have passed three resolutions in May, June, and September 2021 opposing the project to be built in Ogahong, Palinpinon, a residential area or classified as built-up area per Land Use Plan of the municipality.
As the situation unfolds, local businesses are hopeful for a resolution that will ensure a reliable power supply and foster an environment conducive to growth. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental with reports from Jonah Grace Nicolas, NORSU Intern)
