The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has deferred the approval of six capital expenditure projects applied by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) worth a total of P20.32 billion.
The regulatory body announced this development in a notice of commission action dated February 19 but was only made public Monday night.
ERC did not elaborate the reason for the deferment, but said there are pending issues that must be addressed and further deliberation is needed.
The most expensive among the projects is the P6.35-billion Laray 230 kilovolt (kV) substation in Cebu that will prevent the overloading of existing facilities. To be pursued in 147 months, the project will also accommodate future developments in the region.
Another major project is the P4.42-billion San Simon 230 kV substation in Pampanga that will be implemented in 68 months. The project is meant to accommodate the growing demand of existing steel mills and directly connected industries as well as support the entry of new ones.
The P3.61-billion Maco-Mati 138 kV transmission project will serve as a connection point for Davao Oriental Electric Cooperative to prevent the overloading of existing power lines.
The project, set to be completed in 36 months, is also eyed to promote economic activities in the region as it will allow the entry of bigger load capacities.
NGCP also applied for the approval of the P3.32-billion Calbayog-Allen transmission line project that will improve the reliability of power delivery in Northern Samar.
The project is estimated to be completed in 103 months and will allow the entry of proposed wind power projects in the region.
ERC also deferred the decision for the proposed P1.64-billion Pinili 230 kV substation project that will address the forecasted load growth in Ilocos Region.
The project, to be pursued in 62 months, is also meant to provide an alternate connection source for loads at the Laoag substation.
Another project is NGCP’s proposed Concepcion-Sta. Ignacia 69 kV transmission line in Tarlac worth P999.71 million. It is estimated to be constructed in 66 months, to serve the localities of Sta. Ignacia, Camiling, Mayantoc, Paniqui, Moncada and Anao.
