The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said over the weekend it approved National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) proposed Pinili 230-kilovolt substation project costing P1.631 billion.
The project aims to address the forecasted load growth in Ilocos Region and provide an alternate connection source for loads connected at Laoag Substation during an N-1 contingency condition.
It will serve as the new connection point for future renewable energy power plants in the area to be implemented over 62 months.
It is one of the six NGCP capital projects with a combined project cost of P20 billion previously deferred for further deliberation by ERC.
“To avoid disruption of operation and to ensure continuous compliance with NGCP’s mandate under the EPIRA [Electric Power Industry Reform Act] as the transmission operator, it is imperative that the implementation of the proposed capex projects be immediately approved,” NGCP said.