STATE-OWNED National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) has been authorized to plan, finance and build transmission lines and facilities classified as priority projects, the Department of Energy (DOE) said on Wednesday.
“By establishing a clear framework for priority projects, this policy is expected to enable the timely delivery of grid facilities,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in a statement.The DOE classifies a priority transmission project based on its relevance to the Philippine Energy Plan and long-term energy security; its necessity to enable or reinforce generation, interconnection and demand growth; and its urgency to be completed amid delays or prior intervention.TransCo — which turned over management of the country’s power transmission system to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in 2009 — still owns all transmission assets, manages right-of-way cases and ensures the concessionaire’s compliance.DOE’s Department Circular 2026-02-0007 allows TransCo to engage one or more government agencies, government-owned and -controlled corporations, and qualified private entities to do priority projects on its behalf.Projects may be pursued through competitive bidding, unsolicited proposals (subject to the Swiss challenge) or partnership arrangements.TransCo will supervise project implementation and submit quarterly reports to the DOE.The circular also orders the NGCP to ensure that priority projects proceed without obstruction and are integrated into existing systems efficiently.Among NGCP’s obligations:– Fully cooperate with the DOE and TransCo by providing necessary data, access and technical support for priority projects.– Refrain from any action or inaction that may delay implementation, including failure to assist in right-of-way acquisition using its franchise authority.– Ensure timely completion of its own transmission projects.– Facilitate testing, commissioning and energization of priority projects.– Provide necessary space and integration support within existing facilities.– Perform all acts necessary to expedite project implementation and completion.To support investor planning and strengthen coordination across stakeholders, the DOE said it will annually publish and regularly update the list of priority projects, including their scope and implementation status.The circular likewise directs the Energy Regulatory Commission to issue the framework for the priority projects.