P10B Meralco facility relocation projects OK’d

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The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved the Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) P9.97-billion facility relocation projects related to the government’s Build, Build, Build program.

But the regulatory body asked the company to refile its application for almost P4.24 billion expansion projects to

The ERC has asked Meralco to re-file the expansion projects to indicate a more detailed costing for each material and equipment as the expense will be charged to customers.

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In a decision dated Nov. 10, 2021 but was only promulgated last month, the ERC said the P9.97 billion cost of relocation will be shouldered by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and shall not be recovered or capitalized under the account of Meralco.

According to Meralco, the DOTr required that all overhead distribution facilities crossing the Philippine National Railways (PNR) road’s right-of-way shall be converted to underground facilities to provide sufficient clearance for railroad infrastructures.

To be relocated are poles and facilities for sub-transmission and distribution equivalent to a total of 339.8 kilometers (km) of connections; 10,372 poles and; 764.82 kms long of conductors.

PNR projects that require the relocation of Meralco facilities are the PNR North 1 Tutuban-Malolos; PNR North 2 Malolos-Clark; PNR South Commuter Calamba; PNR South Long Haul Manila-Legazpi-Matnog-Batangas; the Metro Manila Subway; and the Unified Common Station.

Meralco said it has pushed for the replacement of assets to be relocated to ensure resilience and increased functionality. It also sought for a simultaneous expansion program to address reliability and load growth requirements within and near the areas affected by the infrastructure projects.

The company said this will minimize the cost and inconvenience due to unavoidable interruption in electric service that needs to be implemented for the safety of personnel during the upgrade and expansion of its distribution system.

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