NGCP sets P160-B capital spending program until 2025

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has earmarked P160 billion for its spending program for the next three years, mainly to finance new and ongoing transmission projects.

The NGCP said P111.4 billion out of the total capital expenditure will be for transmission projects, including those already ongoing, those in the pre-construction stage, and those still in the pipeline.

The projects covered include the Taguig Extra High Voltage Substation; the 230-kilovolt substations in Pasay, Navotas, Marilao, New Antipolo, Taguig-Taytay, and the 500-kilovolt Taguig-Silang Transmission Line.

“NGCP continues to invest in undertakings for the improvement of the power transmission grid,” it said in an emailed statement.

“We are also working on applying smart grid technologies to ensure reliable, efficient, and safe operations and create a world-class transmission network,” it added.

The NGCP allotted P22.3 billion for its substation and transmission reliability projects, the upgrade of operations and maintenance tools and equipment, and network facility improvement with the introduction of smart grid technology.

It earmarked P7.1 billion for system operations projects, which cover the upgrading of the SCADA/EMS system, the expansion of grid-related telecommunications facilities, and enhancements of cybersecurity systems.

The capex program also includes projects and investments in infrastructure development for the information technology network, security, aviation, and other facilities.

The State Grid Corporation of China holds a 40% stake in NGCP, while Henry Sy Jr.’s Monte Oro Grid Resources Corp. and Robert Coyiuto Jr.’s Calaca High Power Corp. each hold 30%.

The NGCP consortium holds a 25-year concession contract and a 50-year franchise to operate the country’s power transmission network.

The grid operator earlier this year warned of thin energy supply in the Luzon grid in the dry season, given the projected higher demand. —VBL, GMA News