NEA Launches Computerized Power Tracking System
BAGUIO CITY: The National Electrification Administration (NEA) on Thursday launched the National Digital Command System (NDCS) to monitor key performance indicators of the 121 electric cooperatives nationwide. Initially, three electric cooperatives – Benguet Electric Cooperative (Beneco), Cebu Electric Cooperative 3 (Cebeco 3), and the Misamis Oriental Electric Cooperative (Moresco) – are participating in the implementation of the computerized tracking system.
According to Philippines News Agency, “This is a work in progress and we will continue to incorporate all cooperatives in the system.” The launch, live-streamed through the agency’s Facebook page, was viewed by local stakeholders and journalists at the Beneco command center. Beneco, Cebeco 3, and Moresco are implementing the Supervising Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, allowing authorities to monitor power outages without waiting for reports from the communities.
Engineer Mario Calatan, Beneco Special Equipment and Metering Office supervisor, explained in a media interview, “The dashboard shows our system from the NGCP (National Grid Corporation of the Philippines) down to the electric posts.” He added that the dashboard allows authorities to “easily identify the problem, allowing us to immediately dispatch personnel to troubleshoot or address the problem.”
Calatan highlighted that with Beneco’s SCADA linked to NEA’s Digital Dashboard Command Center (DDCC), NEA can see the situation on the ground for immediate decision-making. “They can see the extent of outages, especially during disasters. They can see how big the area without power is using the data from the SCADA and can easily brief President Marcos for details,” he said.
Cris Gonzales from Beneco’s Community Relations department noted that Beneco will continue to provide technical assistance to counterparts in other areas regarding the digitalization of electric distribution. He mentioned that Beneco started the digitalization process in 2004, investing in training, upgrading skills, and automating their system and substations.
Joe Calawen, Beneco System Control and Protection officer, added that the last phase of digitalization occurred in 2022. “Our last substation to be automated was in Sinipsip, during the pandemic,” he said.