Davao Light inaugurates new substation to enhance power reliability

Ceremonial Switch-On. Gredu Substation was inaugurated on November 5 with a switch-on ceremony joined by Davao Light and Panabo City Local Government Unit officials led by Davao Light Head Enriczar Tia and Hon. Panabo Mayor Jose Relampagos (3rd and 4th from right, respectively).

DAVAO CITY — The Davao Light and Power Company inaugurated the newest distribution substation of AboitizPower subsidiary, Davao Light and Power Com., Inc. at Gredu Substation at Cabaluna Street, Brgy. Gredu in Panabo City.

The project was started in 2022, loaded and energized in September 2024, and inaugurated in early November. The 33MVA substation powers parts of Davao del Norte and highlights innovation by employing green initiatives while supplying reliable power and adding capacity in the areas it serves.

A substation is a key component of any power distribution network that serves as a central point where high-voltage electricity from transmission lines is transformed to a lower voltage suitable for safe distribution to homes and businesses. It also plays a crucial role in managing the flow of electricity, helping maintain stability and reliability in the power system.

As with the other new and upgraded substations of Davao Light, the Gredu Substation is a digital facility. Equipped with automated monitoring and control systems, it captures and transmits real-time data. It can be remotely monitored and controlled reducing the risk of outages and allowing a swift response to power distribution concerns. When problems arise, Davao Light engineers will be able to identify and efficiently troubleshoot issues quickly.

The Gredu Substation boosts power capacity and ensures that Davao Light meets the power needs of industries, businesses, and households in Panabo City and some parts of the Municipality of Carmen.

During his speech at the inauguration ceremony, Davao Light Head Enriczar Tia highlighted that the facility is the first digital substation within the utility’s Davao del Norte franchise area. It represents the company’s commitment to providing reliable, efficient, and stable power for Panabo City. Further, he emphasized the importance of collaboration among Davao Light’s teams, service contractors, and the local government unit in the fruition of the project.

 Empowering Panabo. With a 33MVA capacity, the Gredu Substation at Cabaluna Street, Brgy. Gredu in Panabo City caters to the growing and future demand for power in Davao Light’s Davao del Norte franchise areas, specifically Panabo City and some parts of the Municipality of Carmen. 

Recognizing Panabo City’s continuous growth, Panabo City Mayor Hon. Jose Relampagos expressed gratitude for this project on behalf of the residents as it provides a reliable power supply that can support the growth of Panabo City especially with investors coming in.

Gredu Substation is Davao Light’s 29th substation and the fifth fully digital facility. It is also the first distribution substation of Davao Light employing green approaches such as using a rainwater harvesting system for cleaning and gardening.

The substation also promotes using renewable energy by harnessing abundant and readily available solar energy as its power source. It utilizes solar-powered perimeter lighting and a solar photovoltaic (PV) system for operational use such as cooling and indoor lighting. 

With this, Gredu Substation reduces its dependence on the grid and lowers its carbon footprint, reinforcing Davao Light’s commitment to green initiatives and renewable or clean energy integration. Moreover, this aligns with Davao Light’s resiliency plan, ensuring the facility remains safe and secure, especially during grid blackouts.

As a result, the distribution utility saves up to 40% of its electricity consumption, reducing carbon emissions by 10 metric tons annually. This is equivalent to planting around 350 trees each year.

“As we continue to work together to power a brighter future, we are excited about the project’s positive impact, from improved service quality to supporting the city’s growth and progress,” Engr. Tia said.

Davao Light, now in its 78th year of empowering the evolution of the communities it serves, provides solutions that pave the way for the safety, security, and development of its franchise area covering the cities of Davao, Panabo, and the municipalities of Carmen, Dujali, and Sto. Tomas.