ERC OKs P38 billion NGCP projects

MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has cleared three transmission projects of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) worth around P38.09 billion.

In separate resolutions, the ERC approved the development of the P17.09-billion Bolo-Balaoan 500-kilovolt transmission line project, the P16.8-billion Northern Luzon 230-kV loop project and the P4.2-billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay transmission project.

The capital expenditure (capex) projects are expected to significantly improve the reliability and stability of the transmission grid in key provinces across Luzon and Visayas.

“The approval of these projects underscores our commitment to ensuring the reliability, security and affordability of our country’s electricity supply,” ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta said.

The Bolo-Balaoan project, which will serve as a backbone in the northwestern part of the Luzon grid, will support the integration of offshore wind power and other committed renewable energy developments.

The Northern Luzon Loop project, meanwhile, is designed to upgrade the existing transmission corridor and unlock the generation potential in the provinces of Cagayan, Kalinga, Apayao and Ilocos Norte.