The Energy Regulatory Commission is evaluating the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ request to implement 13 capital expenditure projects worth P93.68 billion. These projects cover both transmission and substation developments in Luzon and Visayas.
ERC Regulatory Operations Service Acting Director Alvin Jones M. Ortega explained, during an open meeting yesterday, that these projects were submitted under NGCP’s application for the fifth regulatory period (5RP), which is mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 to secure prior Commission approval before construction.
“Under today’s agenda, there are four items covering these four cases, which would be 13 projects that we are seeking resolution of the Commission,” Ortega said.
NGCP has requested interim relief to expedite the rollout of specific projects, citing the need to expand transmission capacity, alleviate grid bottlenecks, and accommodate incoming power plant connections. Ortega noted that of 31 projects identified by NGCP as requiring immediate approval, 18 have already been resolved, leaving 13 still awaiting action.
“We are still not able to finalize the 5RP application, but because of NGCP’s intent to already pursue and start the implementation of certain projects that are under this application, they have submitted this motion for issuance of intent relief,” Ortega added.
Among the projects seeking clearance are the Tuguegarao–Enrile 69 kV Transmission Line (P733.92 million), the Dasol 230 kV Substation (P2.12 billion), and the Plaridel 230 kV Substation (P1.08 billion).
Other Luzon initiatives include the Luzon Voltage Improvement Project 5 (P2.60 billion), the Pinamucan 500 kV Substation (P4.12 billion), and the Barotac Viejo–Unidos 230 kV Transmission Line (P10.47 billion).
In the Visayas, proposals cover the Mobile Capacitor Bank (P403.25 million) and the Bolo 5th Bank Project (P2.52 billion). Also up for review are the Malaya 230 kV Collector Station (P2.67 billion), the Magalang 230 kV Substation (P3.91 billion), and the Masin 230 kV Collector Station (P2.79 billion).
The most capital-intensive components of the filing are the Sta. The Maria 500 kV Substation, valued at P15.85 billion, and the Cebu–Leyte Interconnection Lines 3 and 4, which account for P44.41 billion of the total.
According to Ortega, the ERC recognizes the importance of these projects to the grid but emphasized that consumer protection will remain central to the review.
