The coastal municipalities of Kalamansig and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat are undergoing a major transition from an off-grid power system to a more reliable on-grid electricity network. The Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO), through its Technical Services Department and Area 3 Services Department, is conducting line reconfiguration and load transfer from the National Power Corporation–Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG) to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP). Once completed, the transition is expected to provide the two coastal communities with a more stable, reliable, and affordable supply of electricity, opening opportunities for households, businesses, tourism, education, and local economic growth.
Key Takeaways
- Kalamansig and Lebak are transitioning from an off-grid power system to an on-grid electricity network
- SUKELCO is conducting line reconfiguration and load transfer from NPC-SPUG to NGCP
- The project is led by SUKELCO Technical Services Department Manager Engr. Joemar Sevillano
- Once completed, the transition is expected to provide more stable, reliable, and affordable electricity
- The development is expected to benefit households, businesses, tourism, education, and local economic growth
Table of Contents
- Kalamansig and Lebak Transition to On Grid Electricity
- SUKELCO Leads Line Reconfiguration and Load Transfer
- From Off-Grid to On-Grid: Understanding the Transition
- Expected Benefits for Coastal Communities
- Kalamansig and Lebak: Growing Coastal Municipalities
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Disclaimer
Kalamansig and Lebak On Grid Electricity Transition
The Kalamansig and Lebak transition to on grid electricity is now underway in Sultan Kudarat as SUKELCO conducts line reconfiguration and load transfer from NPC-SPUG to NGCP. The development was announced by Governor Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu through his official Facebook page, describing the project as a significant advancement in strengthening the province’s energy infrastructure.
According to the governor’s announcement, once completed, the transition is expected to provide the two coastal communities with a more stable, reliable, and affordable supply of electricity—opening greater opportunities for households, businesses, tourism, education, and local economic growth. The development reflects efforts to improve public services and extend dependable electricity infrastructure to Sultan Kudarat’s coastal communities.
On June 24, 2026, SUKELCO successfully conducted a Power Forum at Marilou’s Resto in Pasandalan, Lebak, to discuss the ongoing transition of the municipalities of Lebak, Kalamansig, and portions of Palimbang from an off-grid power system to an on-grid connection. The forum was attended by the SUKELCO management team and Board of Directors, NGCP personnel, government officials, barangay captains, and other stakeholders.
SUKELCO Leads Line Reconfiguration and Load Transfer
The Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO), through its Technical Services Department (TSD) and Area 3 Services Department, is conducting the line reconfiguration and load transfer from the National Power Corporation–Small Power Utilities Group (NPC-SPUG) to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
The technical work is being led by TSD Manager Engr. Joemar G. Sevillano, PEE , together with the cooperative’s technical team. Engr. Sevillano has been instrumental in presenting the technical aspects of SUKELCO’s infrastructure projects, including the cooperative’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Plan for 2024 to 2026 before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
On June 25, 2026, the 10 MVA Kalamansig Substation in Barangay Santa Maria was officially blessed and inaugurated, representing another major step toward the area’s transition from its off-grid system to grid-connected electricity service. The event was attended by the SUKELCO Board of Directors, management team, employees, stakeholders, and media partners. The new substation will help meet increasing energy demands by improving power reliability and expanding electricity capacity in the area, benefiting Kalamansig, Lebak, and parts of Palimbang.
From Off-Grid to On-Grid: Understanding the Transition
The transition from an off-grid to an on-grid power system represents a significant upgrade in electricity infrastructure for coastal communities.
NPC-SPUG is the entity responsible for providing electricity to areas not connected to the main power grid. SPUG generates electricity supply in areas that are not linked to the main Mindanao power grid, with the towns of Kalamansig and Lebak in Sultan Kudarat dependent on electricity being generated by Napocor’s diesel-fed power plant and barges in Mindanao. As mandated by Republic Act 9136 or the EPIRA law, NPC is tasked to energize far-flung and off-grid areas and provide associated power systems to ensure that progress also trickles into the countryside.
NGCP , the country’s sole Transmission Network Provider (TNP) and System Operator, is responsible for maintaining, operating, expanding, and improving the high-voltage backbone transmission system and facilities throughout the Philippines. The Tacurong-Kalamansig 69-kV Transmission Line Project is a key component of this transition, designed to allow the towns of Lebak, Kalamansig, Bagumbayan, and Senator Ninoy Aquino in Sultan Kudarat to enjoy cheaper and reliable electricity from the grid and to end the dependency of consumers from power generated by diesel power plants of SPUG.
NGCP plans to complete the Tacurong-Kalamansig 69-kV Transmission Line Project in Sultan Kudarat as part of its broader grid improvement projects in Mindanao.
Expected Benefits for Coastal Communities
Once completed, the transition to the on-grid electricity network is expected to bring multiple benefits to Kalamansig and Lebak:
More Stable and Reliable Electricity: The connection to the main power grid is expected to provide a more consistent and dependable electricity supply, with improved reliability among the anticipated benefits of the transition.
More Affordable Electricity: The shift from diesel-generated power to grid electricity is expected to lower electricity costs for consumers, making grid connection a more cost-effective alternative for residents and businesses.
Economic Growth and Development: The improved electricity service is expected to create opportunities for households, businesses, tourism, and education, driving local economic growth.
The Local Government Units of Lebak and Kalamansig, headed by Hon. Frederic F. Celestial and Hon. Ronan Eugene C. Garcia, have expressed their support for the initiative, appreciating the efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the project.
Kalamansig and Lebak: Growing Coastal Municipalities
Kalamansig and Lebak are the two coastal municipalities of Sultan Kudarat that will benefit from this grid connection project.
Kalamansig is a first-class municipality with a population of 52,257 residents according to the 2024 POPCEN. It is composed of 15 barangays and lies along the northwestern coast of the province.
Lebak is a municipality with a population of 93,312 residents according to the 2024 POPCEN. It consists of 27 barangays and lies on the northwestern coast of the province.
Together, Kalamansig and Lebak have a combined population of more than 145,000 based on the cited population figures, highlighting the scale of the communities affected by improvements to local electricity infrastructure.
Conclusion
The Kalamansig and Lebak transition to on grid electricity marks a significant development in Sultan Kudarat’s energy infrastructure. The project, led by SUKELCO in coordination with NGCP and supported by the Provincial Government, is expected to provide the coastal communities with a more stable, reliable, and affordable supply of electricity once completed.
The inauguration of the 10 MVA Kalamansig Substation and the ongoing line reconfiguration and load transfer activities demonstrate the progress being made toward this goal. As the transition continues, residents, businesses, and local institutions in Kalamansig and Lebak can look forward to improved electricity service that will support economic growth, education, tourism, and overall quality of life.
For more updates on infrastructure development in Sultan Kudarat, follow official announcements from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and SultanKudarat.com .
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Kalamansig and Lebak transition to on grid electricity?
The Kalamansig and Lebak transition to on grid electricity is the process of connecting these two coastal municipalities of Sultan Kudarat from an off-grid power system to the main electricity grid, providing more stable, reliable, and affordable electricity.
2. Who is leading the transition?
The transition is being led by the Sultan Kudarat Electric Cooperative (SUKELCO) , through its Technical Services Department and Area 3 Services Department, in coordination with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
3. What is NPC-SPUG?
NPC-SPUG is the National Power Corporation–Small Power Utilities Group, which provides electricity to areas not connected to the main power grid, including the towns of Kalamansig and Lebak.
4. What is NGCP?
NGCP is the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the country’s sole Transmission Network Provider responsible for maintaining and operating the high-voltage backbone transmission system.
5. When will the transition be completed?
The transition is currently ongoing. The Facebook announcement indicates that line reconfiguration and load transfer activities are being conducted, with the project expected to provide benefits once completed.
6. What are the expected benefits of the transition?
Once completed, the transition is expected to provide more stable, reliable, and affordable electricity, opening opportunities for households, businesses, tourism, education, and local economic growth.
7. What is the Tacurong-Kalamansig 69-kV Transmission Line Project?
This is a key NGCP project designed to allow the towns of Lebak, Kalamansig, Bagumbayan, and Senator Ninoy Aquino to enjoy cheaper and reliable electricity from the grid and end dependency on diesel power plants.
8. Where can I find updates on this project?
Follow official announcements from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and SultanKudarat.com .
Disclaimer
This article is primarily based on the public announcement from the Facebook page of Gov. Datu Pax Ali S. Mangudadatu regarding the Kalamansig and Lebak on-grid electricity transition. Additional background information is drawn from publicly available sources cited in the article, including SUKELCO, NGCP, and other government sources. The project is currently ongoing; this article reports the announcement and current status. Specific details regarding the exact completion date, technical specifications, and other project details may be subject to change. SultanKudarat.com strives to provide accurate and timely information but does not guarantee the completeness or absolute accuracy of the details contained herein. Readers are encouraged to verify official announcements from the Provincial Government of Sultan Kudarat and other authorized government agencies for the most current updates.
