BILECO has held a groundbreaking ceremony for its first ever microgrid project in Higatangan island earlier today, August 27.
The microgrid facility which costs more than P15-M was a donation from the Korean government and the ELT Co., Ltd.
BILECO general manager, Engr. Gerardo N. Oledan, said that BILECO is the second benificiary of a microgrid project from Korea after Romblon.
The microgrid project is composed of photovoltaic panels (10kw) and 50kw power conditioning system. It also has a 50kw diesel generator and another 36 kwh energy storage system. With this development, BILECO could now operate and supply power to the entire island for 24 hours compared to its existing 5-hour operation daily.
Mayor Gerard Roger M. Espina of Naval who graced the event said that the new project would potentially boost tourism in the island opening more job opportunities for the locals.
Board President Alberto R. Espregante said that the Board and the management would plan ahead to expand the system to cater the future energy demands as more establishments will be expected to rise.
BILECO’s counterpart for the project reached almost P7-M which includes taxes and duties, purchase of lot and site preparation, and the construction of distribution line.
The project is expected to operate by October this year.
Also present and in full support to the project are SB members Marietta Ebio and Ofelia Tabla-Espina, and barangay officials of Mabini and Libertad.
