Visayas power boosted as PHP 43.41B CNP line goes live

The Cebu–Negros–Panay (CNP) 230-kilovolt Backbone Project is now fully operational, delivering more reliable power and enabling energy exchange across the Visayas region.

Commissioned on March 27, the PHP 43.41 billion transmission line and submarine cable network links Cebu, Negros, and Panay—three of the country’s key islands—under a unified grid system.

According to the Philippine Information Agency, the project was developed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to strengthen power infrastructure and alleviate long-standing voltage instability in the Visayas.

“The CNP is a transmission infrastructure project created by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to cater to the major metropolitan areas of the Visayas, which include Metro Iloilo, Metro Bacolod, and Metro Cebu,” said Department of Energy Region 7 Senior Science Research Specialist Engr. Keelvin Ed Dajao.

He said the CNP is part of a broader national grid integration initiative that also includes the Mindanao–Visayas interconnection.

“This will cater to the needs of the three major islands,” Dajao added. “Stage three was the first to finish as early as April 2024, with some areas already energized.”

The Energy Regulatory Commission provisionally approved the project in 2017, following its filing in 2016, with a provisional cost of PHP 176.75 million.

By upgrading transfer capacity and allowing surplus energy—especially from Negros and Panay—to flow to Cebu and beyond, the CNP supports both energy stability and economic activity across the region.

One of the primary beneficiaries is the Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (NONECO), which has long struggled with undervoltage issues in areas like Calatrava and San Carlos City.

“Before, ang problema namin is the undervoltage. Ngayon, may power reliability na,” said Engr. Wilbe Bilbao, NONECO general manager.

He noted that with power reliability now secured, outages have decreased, voltage has stabilized, and supply can better support both residential and commercial users—80 percent of NONECO’s consumers are residential, and 20 percent are businesses.

“Talagang malaki ang impact dun sa economic opportunities such as construction and employment, business to local suppliers, and transport operators,” Bilbao added.

He emphasized the improved power quality and expanded service coverage as critical benefits of the CNP.

“Talagang malaki ang improvement in terms of voltage and power quality. Ang improvement nito is the availability of power. There were also improvements to the coverage area of NONECO. We are thankful for this project,” Bilbao said.

For residents like Ruben dela China, 56, of Villacin Alley in Cadiz City, the CNP has brought more than just power—it has brought hope.

“Nag pasalamat mi nga naay project nga ingon ani kay naka dugang baya sa panginabuhian sa ubang katawhan, ug dugang pa ma enjoy na among mga anak bisag mo duha gabi-e sa dalan kay hayag na kaayo. Salamat kaayo sa inyong bulawanong kasing-kasing sa paghatag ni ining projeka,” he said.

(We are grateful for this project because it has improved livelihoods and made our streets brighter and safer at night. Thank you for your generosity in making this possible.)

As the CNP enters full operation, it plays a crucial role in ensuring a more resilient and interconnected energy grid—one that supports regional growth and prepares the country for increased renewable energy integration. (PIA)