Ligao:Ligao City The Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco) has completed significant upgrades to the Ligao Substation, aimed at improving power distribution reliability and supporting economic growth in Albay's third district. The enhancements have doubled the substation's installed capacity from 2 x 10 megavolt-amperes (MVA) to 2 x 20 MVA, reinforcing Aleco's ability to provide efficient and reliable electricity services.

According to Philippines News Agency, during the blessing and energization ceremony, Ligao City Mayor Fernando Gonzales emphasized the project's importance in addressing longstanding development challenges and facilitating progress in Ligao City, Guinobatan, Pio Duran, and Oas.

The mayor highlighted the national government's role in supporting cooperatives that deliver essential services, noting that government assistance remains crucial for sustaining these services despite the goal of financial independence for cooperatives.

Additionally, the upgraded facility's importance is underscored by the province's preparations for the potential effects of El Niño, which could lead to increased electricity demand. National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda noted that the project reflects Aleco's ongoing efforts to strengthen infrastructure and enhance service delivery.

The upgrade includes modernizing electrical facilities with advanced substation equipment integrated with Aleco's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system. The project also features the construction of two new double-circuit distribution lines to improve load distribution and enable faster fault isolation.

Furthermore, the increased capacity will allow Aleco to redistribute electrical loads from the Polangui Substation, primarily serving the municipalities of Polangui and Libon.