The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the application of Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. (LWEC) to connect its 206.25-megawatt San Isidro Wind Power Project (SIWPP) in Northern Samar to the Visayas grid, while setting conditions to manage congestion and maintain system stability in the Samar-Leyte corridor.

In a decision dated October 1–2, 2025, the ERC authorized LWEC—jointly owned by Aboitiz Renewables Inc., Vivant Energy Corp., and Singapore-based Vena Energy—to build and own point-to-point limited transmission facilities linking the wind project to the grid through an interim connection at NGCP’s Calbayog 138-kilovolt substation and a final connection at the future San Isidro substation.

The Commission noted that while the connection is approved, its operation will remain under the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), consistent with existing regulatory policy. NGCP was directed to complete its related works under the Calbayog–Allen Transmission Line Project before SIWPP’s testing and commissioning, but not later than June 2026.

ERC said the approval comes with technical safeguards following NGCP’s System Impact Study, which found that injecting the 206-MW capacity could strain the Samar-Leyte network during peak dispatch. The project will be subject to generation curtailment and dispatch prioritization until key grid reinforcements—such as the Babatngon–Paranas and Cebu–Leyte 230-kV upgrades—are completed.

To comply with the Philippine Grid Code, LWEC must install reactive power compensating devices and adopt NGCP’s recommended protection settings. “The capacity of SIWPP will help address the increasing energy demand and is consistent with the development of renewable energy resources,” the ERC said.

The regulator added that ownership of the dedicated facilities will transfer to NGCP “using the fair market price of the said facilities, subject to optimization” if they are later required for broader grid use.

Located in San Isidro, Northern Samar, the SIWPP is one of the largest wind projects under development in the Visayas. LWEC has targeted February 2026 for the start of commercial operations.

What are your thoughts on this ruling? Does ERC’s move strike the right balance between private investment and grid reliability in renewable energy integration?

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