NGCP seeks ERC okay for P3-B transmission line

MANILA, Philippines - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the country’s power transmission highway operator, is seeking the nod of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for the implementation of the P3-billion Calaca-Dasmariñas 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line project.

NGCP said a provisional authority from the ERC would allow it to start the construction of a 57-kilometer steel tower double circuit transmission line from Calaca, Batangas to Dasmariñas substation in Cavite.

NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Perez- Alabanza said the project would benefit consumers.

 â€œThis project will ensure that the additional supply coming from the power plants of the northern regions will be fully utilized while maintaining the reliability and stability of the grid. NGCP, through the reinforcement of our facilities, commits to be ready by the time they go online,” Alabanza said.

The project involves two components – transmission and substation.

The transmission component includes routing of 46 kilometers of the proposed lines parallel to the existing Dasmariñas-Calaca 230-kV line.

On the other hand, the substation component involves the installation of two 230-kV power circuit breakers, compact air-insulated switchgear, and associated equipment for both the Dasmariñas and Sta. Rita substations.

The two substations are the delivery and alternate delivery points of the Calaca power plant in Batangas.

Alabanza said the project is intended to accommodate additional power capacities expected from three power plants – Puting Bato, Batangas Coal, and San Gabriel – from 2014 to 2017.

The new plants would have a combined capacity of 2,470 megawatts, which in turn, would require the expansion of transmission facilities as well.