Overview: Visayas Grid Restored After Magnitude-6.9 Earthquake
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reports that the Visayas transmission grid has returned to normal operations following a powerful magnitude-6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu province. After a series of intensive restoration efforts, the backbone and peripheral lines are now energized, supporting stable power supply across the region.
Key Lines Energized: Daanbantayan-Tabango and Compostela-Daanbantayan
As of 9:38 a.m. on Friday, October 3, NGCP successfully energized the Daanbantayan-Tabango 230kV Line 2, including the submarine cable that links Cebu and Leyte. This milestone marks a critical step in reestablishing the interconnected grid and restoring normal transmission operations across the Visayas. Earlier in the week, power transmission services in the region had already been normalized, even as repair work continued on other affected lines.
In addition, the Compostela-Daanbantayan 230kV Line 1 was energized on October 7 at 2:18 a.m. and is now operating in parallel with the previously restored Line 2. Together, these lines provide an important n-1 contingency to the backbone transmission corridor that NGCP had already restored, helping to secure the grid against future disruptions. The simultaneous operation of multiple lines enhances reliability and minimizes the risk of widespread outages for consumers.
Ongoing Restoration and Priority Projects
Despite the significant progress, NGCP indicates that restoration work continues on the remaining line outage: the Daanbantayan-Tabango 230kV Line 1. The company has committed to keeping the public informed about restoration timelines and any potential local interruptions, stressing that localized outages may still occur as repairs proceed. NGCP emphasizes that these lines are designed to provide redundancy and to maintain service continuity for customers in the region.
People, Preparation, and Public Safety
NGCP deployed over 60 personnel to carry out restoration and repair tasks in the wake of the earthquake. Their work focused on affected facilities, including the Daanbantayan Substation near the earthquake epicenter. The company underscores that the efforts are aimed at bolstering the reliability and stability of the Visayas transmission network, ensuring safe and dependable electricity delivery as communities recover.
What This Means for Consumers and Utilities
For residents and businesses in Visayas, the restoration of key 230kV lines translates into a return to normal service with reduced risk of outages. NGCP has advised the public to coordinate with their distribution utilities and electric cooperatives for localized interruptions, if any. The utility landscape in the region relies on a network of transmission lines, and outages typically trigger coordinated actions among NGCP, distribution utilities, and local government units to minimize impact on end users.
Ongoing Monitoring and Preparedness for Aftershocks
NGCP remains on high alert as aftershocks continue to be recorded in the area. The company will maintain round-the-clock monitoring of grid stability and is prepared to respond quickly to any new disruptions. By restoring critical transmission corridors and maintaining redundancy, NGCP aims to safeguard the region’s power system while authorities address aftershocks and ongoing repairs.
Bottom Line
With the Daanbantayan-Tabango Line 2 energized and the Compostela-Daanbantayan Line 1 now in service, the Visayas grid has much-needed resilience. NGCP’s rapid deployment of crews and phased restoration plan illustrate a proactive approach to grid reliability in the wake of natural disasters. Consumers and distribution utilities should stay informed about any localized interruptions and continue to work together to maintain a stable electricity supply as restoration efforts continue.
