Enhancement of energy infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering power supply in Cebu
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is making significant strides in addressing power congestion in Cebu and Mactan Island with two major energy projects currently underway. As of late July 2025, the Cebu-Lapu-Lapu 230-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line Project and the Lapu-Lapu 230kV Substation Project are 68 percent and 69 percent complete, respectively [1][2][3]. These projects, expected to be fully operational by December 2026, aim to modernize the power grid in the region and keep pace with economic expansion.
The existing 138kV transmission lines connecting Cebu to Mactan Island have long been overloaded due to the province's rapid growth and increasing power demand. This overload has affected grid stability, leading to power congestion. By upgrading to new 230kV facilities, the system’s capacity will be significantly increased, helping to decongest power transmission and ensure a more reliable electricity supply.
The new 230kV facilities will not only increase the system's capacity but also reduce congestion. Power interruptions, if any, are expected to last only two to three hours. During the cooler months of September to October, power interruptions are unlikely.
NGCP is expanding several key substations across Cebu, including those in Barangay Calongcalong, Toledo City; Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City; Samboan; Daanbantayan; Compostela, and Barangay Pusok, Lapu-Lapu City. However, challenges such as right-of-way issues, rerouting requests, delays in securing permits, and regulatory bottlenecks are slowing down some projects.
The NGCP is reminding residents to avoid activities that could damage power lines, such as planting trees near towers, lighting fires underneath them, constructing houses beneath transmission corridors, or flying kites nearby. Incidents of pilferage are reportedly less frequent in Cebu due to increased public awareness and visible warning signage, but the theft of transmission tower parts and cables poses a serious safety hazard and weakens the integrity of the grid. Even stealing something as small as a bolt can compromise the entire structure of a transmission tower.
The two energy projects are crucial in addressing the power congestion from Cebu to Mactan. The projects also include modernizing the power grid in Cebu to ensure power delivery keeps pace with economic expansion. These upgrades will enhance voltage stability, reduce the risk of outages, and better prepare the transmission system for future demand. Luzon and Mindanao are capable of supplying up to 400 megawatts and 450 megawatts of backup power for Cebu, respectively, should the need arise.
[1] NGCP. (2025). Cebu-Lapu-Lapu 230kV Transmission Line Project. Retrieved from www.ngcp.com.ph/projects/cebu-lapu-lapu-230kv-transmission-line-project
[2] NGCP. (2025). Lapu-Lapu 230kV Substation Project. Retrieved from www.ngcp.com.ph/projects/lapu-lapu-230kv-substation-project
[3] NGCP. (2025). Modernizing the Power Grid in Cebu. Retrieved from www.ngcp.com.ph/news/modernizing-the-power-grid-in-cebu
- In the Philippines, particularly in Cebu, the ongoing Cebu-Lapu-Lapu 230-kilovolt Transmission Line Project and the Lapu-Lapu 230kV Substation Project, both vital for addressing power congestion, are expected to boost not only power delivery but also education and economic progress, as their completion by December 2026 will help accommodate the region's growing power demand.
- Alongside enhancing the power grid, these projects in Cebu also underscore the importance of sports, as reliable electricity supply ensures uninterrupted operation of sports facilities, promoting healthy activities among the community and fostering a stronger sense of camaraderie during typhoon-free months of September and October.
