By Nycel Jane Dela
The Capiz Electric Cooperative (CAPELCO) is moving forward with a major power infrastructure project aimed at improving voltage stability for consumers across Roxas City and nearby municipalities.
CAPELCO Acting General Manager Engr. Edgar D. Diaz presented the status of the installation of a 2×5 MVAR Capacitor Bank at the Lawaan Substation in Barangay Lawaan, Roxas City.
The project forms part of the Visayas Voltage Improvement Project 2 and is targeted for completion by September 2026.
The facility will be connected to the Panitan-Lawaan 69-kilovolt transmission line, a 10.8-kilometer link stretching from Barangay Timpas in Panitan to Barangay Lawaan in Roxas City.
Simulation forecasts presented showed that voltage levels along the Panitan-Lawaan line could decline from 66kV in 2026 to as low as 61kV without intervention.
With the capacitor bank in place, voltage is expected to remain within safer operating levels, ranging from 66kV to 68kV through 2035.
Diaz said the project is expected to strengthen voltage regulation, reduce power interruptions, minimize transmission losses, and improve the overall reliability of the electric distribution system.
Construction activities are being carried out within a 1,160-square-meter site at the Lawaan Substation. Civil works have posted significant progress, with cable trenches, antenna tower foundations, high-voltage equipment foundations, and gantry foundations already completed.
The internal drainage system is now 95 percent complete, while slope protection has reached 73.5 percent. Construction of the perimeter fence stands at 55.65 percent.
Structural erection work has reached 39 of 54 units, while installation of electrical equipment has progressed to 15 of 41 units. Field testing and commissioning have yet to begin pending the arrival of remaining equipment and scheduled power shutdowns.
CAPELCO said the first scheduled shutdown for the Voltage Improvement Project was successfully conducted last June 13.
The next power interruption is scheduled on July 5 to facilitate the installation of a prefabricated relay room. Another shutdown will follow on August 15 for the erection of new steel poles and transmission line integration works.
The final scheduled interruption on September 12 will pave the way for the energization of the new capacitor bank system.
