THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved a National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ (NGCP) P20.65 billion transmission line connecting Balaoan, La Union to Laoag City.
The 500 kilovolt (kV) line forms part of the grid operator’s capital expenditure (capex) plan between 2020 and 2025 and beyond, according to the ERC.
The approval is subject to “optimization based on its actual use and verified expenses incurred during the reset process for the subsequent regulatory period.”
The ERC said that the transmission project is “one of the 15 proposed projects that will redound to the benefit of the electricity consumers in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply” as required by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Last month, the ERC said itapproved three transmission projects forming part of the capex plan amounting to P38.09 billion.
The grid projects are expected to improve the reliability and stability of the transmission grid in key provinces in Luzon and the Visayas.
The NGCP has said that it has earmarked more than P600 billio for over 100 transmission projects in the pipeline.
The grid projects form part of the Transmission Development Plan 2024-2050, which are “ready for implementation,” according to the company. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera
