ERC approves NGCP’s P2.34-B transmission project in Misamis Oriental

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gave the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) a go signal to implement the P2.34-billion transmission project in Misamis Oriental.

According to the regulatory agency, grid operator NGCP is given until Jan. 31, 2025 to complete the transmission project which, according to ERC chair Monalisa Dimalanta, is 85 percent complete as per NGCP’s monthly report.

“Failure to meet the deadline will subject NGCP to administrative penalties, as mandated by applicable laws and regulations,” the ERC said.

READ: ERC approves P38-B transmission projects

NGCP lodged the application to undertake the Laguindingan 230-kilovolt substation in January 2021.

It will bolster power supply for Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative (Moresco I) and support the province’s domestic industrial zone Laguindingan Technopark with the needed high-power transmission corridor.

The power co-op, based on its website, holds a franchise to supply electricity to its member-consumer-owners from the Municipality of Lugait to Opol, City of El Salvador, hinterland barangays of Cagayan de Oro and 15 barangays of Talakag, Bukidnon.

“Additionally, the project will address the overloading in the existing Opol Substation, which serves as the main power supply for the Laguindingan area, and address the limitations of the Tagoloan Substation, where several components require upgrading due to low interrupting capacity,” the regulator said.

The ERC approved grid operator NGCP’s capital expenditure (capex) project in a notice of resolution issued last Nov. 12.

It also said the consecutive approval of capex projects nationwide “highlights its commitment to ensuring a robust and reliable energy infrastructure to meet the growing demands of industrial and residential sectors in the country.”

Earlier, NGCP disclosed it set aside about P600 billion to bankroll over 100 transmission projects across the Philippines, which are included in its Transmission Development Plan 2024-2050.

In a briefing, NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza said the entity has invested P340 billion over the last 15 years.