THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved three capital expenditure (capex) transmission projects for the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), amounting to P38.09 billion.
In separate resolutions, the regulator approved the event of the P17.09-billion Bolo-Balaoan 500-kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line, P16.8-billion Northern Luzon 230-kV Loop, and P4.2-billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission projects.
The grid projects are expected to enhance the reliability and stability of the transmission grid in key Luzon and Visayas provinces.
“The approval of those projects underscores our commitment to making sure the reliability, security, and affordability of our country’s electricity supply,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monalisa C. Dimalanta said.
“It’s thus critical for the NGCP to make sure the efficient and timely completion of the projects so we will further boost the power of our grid to soak up latest power capacities needed to fulfill the growing demand of our communities, businesses, and industries,” she added.
The Bolo-Balaoan 500-kV line, which is able to function a backbone within the northwestern a part of the island grid, is anticipated to support the combination of offshore wind and other committed renewable energy projects, in addition to liquefied natural gas.
Together with the approval, the ERC ordered the grid operator to finish the project by Nov. 30, 2026.
The Northern Luzon 230-kV Loop project is designed to upgrade the prevailing transmission corridor and harness the generation potential within the provinces of Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte.
The project is anticipated to be finished by March 2028.
To assist bridge power within the Visayas, the Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay Transmission project will address the overloading issues in the prevailing Nabas-Caticlan 69-kV transmission line, Caticlan-Boracay transmission line, and Manoc-Manoc 69-kV load end substation.
The project, which is seen to reinforce the reliability of power supply to the Panay Islands, is directed to be finished by May 2025.
Last week, NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia P. Alabanza said that the corporate would allocate greater than P600 billion in capex for over 100 transmission projects. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
