THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) nearly P33 billion in capital expenditures (capex) for connection projects across Luzon and the Visayas.
In a decision promulgated on March 18 but released only on March 20, the ERC said it resolved to authorize NGCP to implement the proposed capital expenditure projects costing some P32.92 billion.
The projects involve the installation of circuit breakers and associated equipment to accommodate projected demand and ensure reliable power supply in the Luzon and Visayas grids.
The NGCP said the projects in Luzon and the Visayas aim to accommodate the connection of incoming generation plants and sub-transmission facilities as well customers to the grid.
Luzon substations included in the program are the Botolan, Lal-lo, Castillejos, Laoag, Binga, Mariveles, Lamao, Subic, Concepcion, Pinamucan, Dasol, Tayabas, Sampaloc, Pinili, New Malaya, Pagbilao, Bolo, Naga, San Manuel, Hermosa, San Juan, Tuy, Labo, Lumban, Balingueo, Mexico, Gamu, Botolan and Laoag facilities.
In the Visayas, the Ormoc, Batbangon, Corella, Ubay, Cadiz, Calatrava, San Carlos, Santa Barbara, Nabas, Barotac Viejo, Isabel, Calbayog and Bacolod substations are in line for equipment upgrades.
The ERC approved staggered target completion dates for the projects, starting from early 2028 until 2030, and noted that these had been labeled as energy projects of national significance.
It added that noncompliance with the directive would result in administrative penalties provided under relevant laws and pertinent rules and regulations.