Operating for over 45 years, the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District (MTWD) recognizes electricity or power as one of the greatest factors in sustaining water production and distribution. The high power consumption and high power rates has been a consideration in 24-hour operation of water production wells. In 2023 alone, expense attributed to power accounts for over Php54 million. It is within this context that the MTWD management has been keen in exploring the installation and utilization of renewable energy source such as tapping the solar energy.
In 2022, MTWD included the procurement of solar power supply for the operation of Cataggaman Pumping Station 2 in Cataggaman Pardo, Tuguegarao City in its 2023 corporate budget. The procurement process started in March 2023 and project commenced right after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed in last week of May 2023. After nearly a year, the installation of the 114 solar panels was finally completed on April 2024.
At the moment, the project is undergoing application with the Cagayan 1 Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CAGELCO 1) on net-metering for this Grid Tied Photovoltaic Solar System. Once commissioned, electricity generated by the solar panels will be integrated to the grid lines to supplement the power requirements of the production well.
This solar energy project stands as the MTWD’s first innovation in the use of renewable energy source. In fact, this project will be the first solar-powered pumping station operated by water district in the region. Solar powered water pumps are mostly used for agricultural purposes, specifically for irrigation projects. The Cataggaman Pumping Station 2 will be the first solar powered Level III water system for domestic use.
This project is aligned with the resolution promulgated on July 7, 2023 by the Inter-Agency Energy Efficiency and Conservation Committee (IAEECC), spearheaded by the Department of Energy, where government agencies are encouraged to tap solar energy. It marks a pioneering step towards sustainable energy practices and sets a precedent for future initiatives in the region.