The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to rule on an application by National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) for interim approval of 13 capital expenditure projects worth P93.675 billion.
The ERC discussed the projects in a recent open commission meeting. The applications were filed under Section 9 of Republic Act 9136, which requires the transmission operator to seek commission approval for any facility expansion or improvement plans.
The proposed projects include the Tuguegarao-Enrile 69-kV Transmission Line Project (P733.916 million), Dasol 230-kV Substation Project (P2.115 billion), Plaridel 230-kV Substation Project (P1.078 billion) and the Luzon Voltage Improvement Project 5 (2.598 billion pesos).
Other projects listed are the Pinamucan 500-kV Substation Project (P4.116 billion), Barotac Viejo-Unidos 230-kV Transmission Line Project (P10.474 billion), Visayas Mobile Capacitor Bank Project (P403.248 million) and the Bolo 5th Bank Project (P2.52 billion).
The remaining projects are the Malaya 230-kV Collector Station Project (P2.673 billion), Magalang 230-kV Substation Project (P3.911 billion), Masiit 230-kV Collector Station Project (P2.792 billion), Sta. Maria 500-kV Substation Project (P15.85 billion) and the Cebu-Leyte Interconnection Lines 3 and 4 Project (P44.4 billion).
Alvin Ortega, head of the ERC’s tariff and rate and acting director for regulatory operations, said NGCP submitted the applications to begin construction.
“The due process under the 5th RP (Regulatory Reset) application is still ongoing… but because of NGCP’s intent to already pursue and start the implementation of certain projects… they have submitted this motion for issuance of intent relief,” Ortega said.
The 13 projects are part of a larger group of 31 projects for which NGCP has applied. The ERC has already acted on 18 of the transmission projects.
“The commission has already ruled on certain projects that will be allowed to be implemented already. That’s why for this particular case, there only remain 13 projects that are submitted for approval,” Ortega said.
He said the projects align with the Transmission Development and Philippine Development Plans and that NGCP would advance the costs.
“With the approval of the commission… there is now some assurance that the projects will be pursued in time for the generation facilities that will be coming in certain areas that are identified,” he said.
