The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking support from the government to fast-track the completion of the Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection Project (BMIP) by December 2025.
The major interconnection project was initially targeted to be completed in September 2027.
Last February 2023, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued provincial approval to NGCP for the PHP 14.03 billion-worth project.
According to the power transmission provider, the original indicated timeline was already tight, especially for a major project like this since global transmission line projects typically demand 7 to 10 years of building.
“We understand and support the direction of the DOE in these and other critical projects. There is zero room for any delay with the usual chokepoints – right-of-way and the issuance of permits from local governments and other government agencies… It’s an almost impossible deadline, but NGCP, as always, will do its best,” the company said.
Ahead of ERC’s approval to embark on the project, NGCP finalized its pre-production activities including topographic surveys, marine and hydrographic surveys, and route surveys.
The application to implement BMIP was originally in 2011. Still, it was re-filed in 2021 to connect provinces in Mindoro to the main Luzon grid to provide a long-term solution to its recurring power interruptions.
BMIP is anticipated to allow reliable and stable delivery of energy to the two islands.
