The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) secured the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for its Cebu-Bohol interconnection project worth over P19.6 billion.
A decision signed by ERC commissioners last January 19 and promulgated last week said NGCP’s proposed project was deemed approved as it will accommodate the increase in power demand in Bohol apart from providing reliability and resiliency of the grid especially during calamities.
NGCP said the project – with an allowed project cost of P19,614,654,716.53 – will reduce the dependence of Bohol on diesel power plants and will reduce rates in the island with the entry of alternative power supply especially from Cebu.
The project involves the laying of outright double circuit 230 kilovolts (kV) submarine cable with 600 megawatts capacity per circuit with provision for a third circuit between Cebu and Bohol and another 230 kV double circuit overhead transmission line.
A 230 kV switchyard will also be developed in the existing Corella substation apart from an expansion of the proposed Dumanjug 230 kV substation under the Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project.
The ERC decision said the project will not have an immediate impact on NGCP’s existing rates as adjustments will only be implemented during the next regulatory reset to be decided by the regulatory body.
ERC added NGCP had conducted pre-construction steps in the planned interconnection project while the final approval was being heard.
