NGCP seeks go-signal for Luzon, Mindanao transmission projects

NGCP facility 2

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) approval for over Php35 billion worth of transmission projects in Luzon and Mindanao.

In a report by The Philippine Star, NGCP said filed two petitions with the ERC last month seeking the immediate implementation of three projects in Northern and Central Luzon, as well as two proposed facilities in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The Luzon projects amount to Php18.2 billion, while those in Mindanao are worth P16.9 billion.

The grid firm’s Luzon projects comprise the construction of the Capas 230-kilovolt (kV) substation worth Php2.61 billion and is slated for completion by 2024. The project specifically aims to accommodate the growth in power demand in the Tarlac II Electric Cooperative’s franchise area, as well as to connect it to the New Clark City, also located in Capas.

Meanwhile, the proposed Porac 230kV substation project is estimated to be worth Php6.38 billion and is expected to begin operations by 2026. It aims to address the projected load growth of in the franchise areas of Pampanga-based power distributors, such as the Pampanga II Electric Cooperative, Clark Electric Distribution Corporation, Angeles Electric Corporation, and the San Fernando Electric Light & Power Company.

The Php9.23 billion North Luzon substation upgrading project II, expected to be completed by 2023, will provide N-1 provision in various NGCP substations in the area.

In Mindanao, the grid operator proposed to construct the Lala-Naga-Mindanao-Zamboanga 230kV transmission line project, estimated to be worth Php15.1 billion. An extension of the Mindanao 230kV transmission backbone, the project is expected solve the low voltage problem in the area due to generation deficiency in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

Meanwhile, the Php1.88 billion Zamboanga Peninsula voltage improvement project will provide the needed reactive power to achieve a normal voltage level in the region.