The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved three capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects of transmission operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) with a combined cost of P38.09 billion.
The ERC said Tuesday the projects would significantly enhance the reliability and stability of the transmission grid in Luzon and the Visayas.
The commission adopted resolutions to approve the NGCP’s Northern Luzon 230 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 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,” ERC chairperson and chief executive Monalisa Dimalanta 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.
It will also 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.
The commission directed the NGCP to complete the project by Bolo-Balaoan 500 kV Transmission Line Project by Nov. 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.
The ERC said the project is scheduled for completion by March 31, 2028.
The regulator said the P4.2-billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Project will 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.
The ERC mandated NGCP to finish the project by May 2025.
NGCP operates the country’s transmission network through its concession and franchise agreements with the government.
