ERC clears NGCP’s Cebu-Bohol interconnection project

MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has cleared the Cebu-Bohol 230-kilovolt (kV) interconnection project of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).

In a 47-page decision, the ERC approved Option 1 of NGCP’s proposed Cebu-Bohol interconnection project worth P19.61 billion.

The approved cost is slightly lower than what the grid operator applied for, originally amounting to P19.76 billion, as the power regulator excluded the permit fee.

The approved option involves an outright double circuit 230-kV submarine cable with a 600-megawatt (MW) capacity with a provision for a third circuit between Cebu, a 230-kV overhead transmission line, and a 230-kV switchyard in the existing Corella substation.

It is one of the two options NGCP presented for the Cebu-Bohol interconnection project.

With an estimated project cost of P19.49 billion, Option 2 includes a double circuit 230-kV designed submarine cable with 600 MW capacity with a provision for a third circuit between Cebu and Bohol that will be initially energized at 138 kV.

In comparing the two options, the ERC said Option 1 was found to be the more favorable solution in addressing security, reliability, and load growth in Central Visayas since it will be energized outright at 230 kV.

“Under Option 1, power shutdown will not be required, in contrast to Option 2…considering that the project will already be energized at 230-kV level,” it said.

Option 1 is consistent with the proposed Mindanao-Visayas interconnection project, (MVIP) as it will help prepare for NGCP’s long-term plan to loop Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol in a 230-kV level.

The Cebu-Bohol interconnection project is part of NGCP’s long-term plan to establish a 230-kV transmission loop in Cebu, Bohol, and Leyte.

“The completion of the said loop will provide resiliency and will improve the reliability of the power transmission system in the said islands,” the grid operator said.

The project will also provide another source of power supply for Bohol, reducing its dependency on diesel power plants and imported power from Leyte.

“Providing other power source options for Bohol can help provide cheaper power costs for the consumers in Bohol,” the ERC said.

NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and vice chairman of the board Henry Sy Jr. and co-vice chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr. It is the sole operating asset of Synergy Grid and Development Philippines Inc.