THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved three capital expenditure (capex) projects of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) worth P38.09 billion.
ERC said these projects will significantly enhance the reliability and stability of the transmission grid in Luzon and Visayas regions.
The regulatory body said in a statement on Tuesday three resolutions approved the following: Northern Luzon 230 kiloVolt (kV) loop project under ERC Case No. 2021-003 RC; Bolo-Balaoan 500 kV transmission line project under ERC Case No. 2021-003 RC and the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission project under ERC Case No. 2017-093 RC.
The P17.09-billion Bolo-Balaoan 500 kV transmission line project which is to be completed by Nov. 30, 2026, will serve as a backbone in the northwestern part of the Luzon grid to enhance its reliability and stability. It will support the integration of offshore wind power and other committed renewable energy projects in the region.
ERC said the project will also support the developments of liquefied natural gas projects.
The P16.8- billion Northern Luzon 230 kV loop project is designed to upgrade the existing transmission corridor and harness the generation potential in the Northern Luzon provinces of Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.
ERC said the project is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2028.
In the Visayas, the P4.2-billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission project will address the overloading issues in the existing Nabas substation, Nabas-Caticlan 69 kV transmission line, Caticlan-Boracay transmission line and the Manoc-Manoc 69 kV load end substation, enhancing the reliability of power supply to the Panay islands.
ERC said NGCP is mandated to finish the project by May 2025.
“The approval of these projects underscores our commitment to ensuring the reliability, security, and affordability of our country’s electricity supply. It is thus critical for the NGCP to ensure the efficient and timely completion of the projects so we can further boost the ability of our grid to absorb new power capacities needed to meet the growing demand of our communities, businesses, and industries,” said Monalisa Dimalanta, ERC chairperson and chief executive officer.
