The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved clearances for eight generation companies (gencos) to operate their power projects as it looks to fast-track regulatory approvals within the 60-day window.
The commission has granted provisional authorities to operate (PAOs) to five companies, pending the issuance of certificates of compliances (COCs).
These projects include A Brown Company Inc. (ABCI)’s Peakpower San Francisco Inc. 5.2 – megawatt (MW) diesel plant in Agusan del Sur, and Peakpower Bukidnon Inc. 10.42 MW diesel plant in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.
SMC Consolidated Power Corp. was also given a PAO for its 150 – MW Unit 1 Limay circulating fluidized bed coal-fired thermal power plant in Bataan.
SPC Power Corp.’s 16-MW Power Barge 104 and 0.6-MW black start diesel engine generator located in Ubay, Bohol was cleared to operate.
A PAO is issued to enable gencos to operate its generation facility before granting COCs. With a PAO, gencos can operate their facilities for six months, which is included in the five-year term of the COC.
Meanwhile, ERC converted the PAOs of King Energy Generation Inc. (KEGI)’s 3.2 MW bunker – fired diesel power plant 1 and 0.31-MW black diesel engine generator located in Quezon, Bukidnon to COCs.
Peakpower Soccsargen Inc. (PSI)’s 13.94-MW diesel power plant in General Santos was given its COC.
ERC also renewed PowerSource Philippines Inc.’s 0.7-MW diesel engine power plant in Bataraza, Palawan.
COCs are required to commercially operate a certain power plant or other facilities used in generating power.
“With the approvals of PAOs and COCs to gencos, power supply will be augmented as additional power will be injected into the grid. This will keep a stable power supply, especially during the coming summer months when the demand for electricity is expected to increase drastically. That’s why we, at the ERC, are acting with dispatch to avert load shedding or brownouts,” ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said.
