The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) will conduct a series of public hearings on the Php17.8 billion worth of batch two capital expenditure (capex) projects of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

In a notice, the ERC that the virtual public hearings will be conducted every Friday from July 2-30 and that shall cover expository presentations to stakeholders in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; and pre-trial conference up to the presentation of evidence. 

The grid firm formally requested the ERC that it be immediately granted provisional approval on its capex projects that are scheduled for implementations within the 2021-2025 regulatory timeframe.

The biggest project to be implemented is the Php10 billion tower resiliency undertaking for transmission facilities in Bicol, which would help stabilize power in the region, which typhoons visit yearly.

The grid operator said it aims to replace all existing steel tower structures of the Naga-Tiwi-Daraga and Daraga-Tublijon transmission lines with 180 kph wind speed design so it could withstand strong typhoons. 

NGCP will also conduct retrofitting and fit-out works at its main office, its System Operations Building and National Control Center in Quezon City for a total investment of Php2.85 billion. Another project is the 69 kilovolt Tacurong-Kalamansig line in Sultan Kudarat, which will need a capital outlay of Php1.94 billion. 

Other capex projects include the substation infrastructure fire protection program, substation air condition unit replacement program, construction and rehabilitation of guesthouses, quarters, warehouses, and laydown areas.