Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to approve of its petition to retire its substation in Tanza, Cavite and withdraw its equipment from the facility.
Based on a document submitted to the ERC, the power provider said the Tanza substation has been operating for over 29 years, and runs on an odd-voltage system or one that has a voltage of other than 34.5 kiloVolts.
Meralco is currently process of converting odd-voltage systems to standardized distribution voltage systems within its franchise area.
“The voltage standardization will reduce technical system loss, improve flexibility and reliability of electric service by phasing out isolated odd voltage systems, and minimize equipment inventory types,” it said.
According to the company, there is no reason to continue running the Tanza substation since its “load can be transferred to adjacent source circuits.”
Meralco also proposed the retirement of power transformer banks and complete conversion of the substation’s circuit, a move that will help reduce system losses of around 54,940 KWHR (kilowatt per hour) annually.
If ERC approves the firm’s proposal, some P3.27 million worth of equipment and machinery will be withdrawn from the Tanza facility, with some slated to be reused for distribution services.
“There will be no impact to the customers currently being served by the Tanza substation,” Meralco said, referring to the effects of the facility’s proposed closure.
In an initial order posted on its website this week, ERC said it will hold hearings via Microsoft Teams on Oct. 26 and Nov. 3 to discuss Meralco’s petition.
Shares of Meralco in the local bourse improved by 2.84% or P8 to finish at P289.80 apiece on Friday.
Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT, Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., which has interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Angelica Y. Yang