ERC OKs 3 NGCP projects

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Tuesday announced the approval of three capital expenditure (capex) projects of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

In a statement, the ERC said the approval of the three projects are seen to enhance the reliability and stability of transmission grids in key Luzon and Visayas provinces.

The power industry regulator said it issued resolutions on November 19, 2024, giving the thumbs up to NGCP’s 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 Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Project under ERC Case No. 2017-093 RC.

The ERC said the P17.09-billion Bolo-Balaoan 500 kV Transmission Line Project, which will serve as a backbone in the northwestern part of the Luzon Grid, will enhance the reliability and stability of the region's transmission network. 

The aforementioned project is also seen to support the integration of offshore wind power and other committed renewable energy projects in the region, as well as liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects critical for energy security. 

Along with its approval, the ERC directed the NGCP to complete the project by November 30, 2026.

Meanwhile, 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, according to the energy regulatory body. 

The ERC said the  Northern Luzon 230 kV Loop Project is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2028.

In the Visayas, on the other hand, the P4.2-million Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Project would address the overloading issues in the existing Nabas Substation, Nabas-Caticlan 69kV transmission line, Caticlan-Boracay transmission line, and the Manoc-Manoc 69kV Load End Substation, enhancing the reliability of power supply to the Panay Islands in the Visayas, according to the regulatory.

The ERC directed NGCP to finish the said 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,” said ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta.

“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," added Dimalanta.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News