MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has received a go-signal from the Energy Regulatory Commission to build a P1.63-billion transmission project in the Ilocos region.
The ERC has resolved to authorize NGCP’s proposed Pinili 230-kilovolt (kV) substation project aimed at addressing the forecasted load growth in the region.
The project is also designed to provide an alternate connection source for loads linked to the Laoag substation during an N-1 contingency condition or in the event of an outage at the existing substation.
It is likewise expected to support the integration of upcoming renewable energy projects across the Ilocos region.
The Pinili substation project, the ERC said, is subject to optimization based on actual use and verified expenses and additional instructions issued during the commission’s deliberation.
A notice of resolution signed by ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta “shall be issued accordingly,” the regulator said over the weekend.
The newly approved substation is one of six capital expenditure projects refiled by the NGCP with the ERC in 2022.
Other projects include the P999.7-million Concepcion-Santa Ignacia 690-kV line, the P4.4-billion San Simon 230-kV substation, the P6.4-billion Laray 230-kV substation, the P3.3-billion Calbayog-Allen line and the P3.6-billion Maco-Mati 138-kV line.
Earlier this year, the ERC deferred the resolution for these projects due to “pending issues.”
As the country’s sole transmission operator, the NGCP is responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the state-owned power grid.
Since 2009, the private sector-backed grid operator has invested over P300 billion to beef up the country’s electrical superhighway, ensuring the reliability and stability of power delivery.