New digital substation to operate in Binugao

To address the growing demand for electricity in the southern part of Davao City, Davao Light and Power Co. Inc., an AboitizPower subsidiary, has commissioned a new digital substation in Binugao, Toril, Davao City.

A substation is a key component of a distribution system that transforms electricity sub-transmission level voltage into distribution level to make it stable and ready for residential, commercial, or industrial use.

As stated, the new substation is digital, meaning it has real-time control and protection operations as information is passed through fiber optic cables instead of copper wires making it more efficient and safe. Additionally, it has a lesser carbon footprint than a non-digital substation due to the use of fiber cables, compared to miles-long hardwired copper cables.

The facility also has a switching station capable of interconnecting and switching between different supply lines making it more robust and less susceptible to interruptions and thereby improving the service availability and reliability in the areas served. This means that there will be lesser planned power outages as loads from adjacent substations can be transferred to Binugao Substation.

Moreover, the new substation has a capacity of 33MVA which provides more reliable service to more customers. When an electrical fault causes a nearby substation to trip, which can cause outages, the new Binugao substation can help carry its load to prevent a longer duration of power interruption.

The new digital substation in Binugao has improved speed, sensitivity, and selectivity since it has multiple input and output and a variety of programmable functions. Moreover, it will enable capacity for a more reliable sector, meaning it can back up other substations during interruptions," Chad Ramos, Head of the Power Systems Planning and Design Department said.

The new Binugao Substation is targeted to operate within the third quarter of 2022, adding to the roster of 27 substations operated by Davao Light in its franchise areas in Davao City, Panabo City, and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.