The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has given more time to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to complete the P4.23 billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Project until August next year.
The ERC acted on NGCP’s motion to adjust the project’s estimated time of completion (ETC) to August 2026 from May 31, 2025.
In its manifestation with reiteratory motion, NGCP requested that the Commission reconsider its previous directive for NGCP to complete the subject project on or before May 31, 2025.
According to NGCP, the pre-construction activities began as early as January 2017 with the route selection process, but actual site conditions, right-of-way issues, procurement and other challenges require an adjustment of the project duration.
NGCP underscored that despite its efforts, the original timeline is no longer feasible and proposed a new completion date of August 2026.
Based on the latest Transmission Project Status Report (TPSR) as of July 31, 2025, the project has only achieved 91.20 percent overall accomplishment.
“The Commission has carefully reviewed NGCP’s motion to extend the ETC of the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Project to Aug. 31, 2026, taking into account both the technical realities on the ground and the legal obligations of NGCP under its franchise and the regulatory framework governing transmission projects,” the ERC said.
It said NGCP’s proposed project timelines are, by nature, “best-case scenario” estimates that serve as reference points for planning and regulatory evaluation of major transmission projects.
“For the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission Project, the Commission finds that the adjustment of the timeline is justified, as its completion is necessarily subject to unforeseen factors such as site workability, right-of-way acquisition, procurement processes and other construction challenges,” it said.
The Commission said any further deviation shall be subject to stricter regulatory scrutiny and possible penalties.
ERC directed NGCP to immediately assume full and exclusive responsibility for the operation, maintenance and management of the reclassified assets, specifically the Avon-Caticlan 69 kV Line, the Caticlan Cable Terminal Station (CTS), and the Caticlan-Boracay 69 kV Submarine Cable, and to ensure their reliable, secure and continuous operation in accordance with existing laws, rules and technical standards.
However, the Commission denied NGCP’s request to be exempted from the payment of permit fees.
The ERC said the imposition of permit fees prescribed by the Commission in Resolution No. 21, Series of 2007” is an exercise of the regulatory powers granted to it by Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).
“The permit fees imposed by the Commission is a form of regulation over NGCP, a public utility performing transmission services,” it said.
