NGCP seeks ERC okay on P2.4-B transmission proj

MANILA, Philippines - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the operator of the country’s power transmission highway, is seeking the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for a P2.41-billion transmission project in Northern Luzon.

In a petition filed before the ERC, NGCP sought for a provisional authority for the implementation of its Tuguegarao — Lal-lo (Magapit) 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line project.

The project would improve the power quality and reliability of supply in the northern part of Luzon, NGCP said.

NGCP plans to build a new transmission line from its Tuguegarao substation to the proposed Lal-lo (Magapit) substation as well as expand and configure the 230-kv Tuguegarao substation.

NGCP said that it is eyeing to start the construction activities of the project this year.

Through the project, NGCP seeks to develop the North Luzon kV loop, which in turn would connect the northwestern and northeastern 230 kV backbone of the Luzon grid.

The project is targeted for completion by 2016.

“The proposed Tuguegarao – Lai-Lo 230 kV transmission line project is one of the stage for the development of the North Luzon 230 kV Loop that will connect the northwestern and northeastern 230 kV backbone of the Luzon grid. This loop will provide adequate transmission facilities to cater to huge wind power generation potential in the region, and importantly, to improve the overall reliability of the transmission network of northern Luzon,” NGCP said in its petition.

Furthermore, the project would also provide the necessary transmission connection of new wind power plants in Cagayan, NGCP said. These include the 50-megawatt (MW) Sanchez Mira wind power plant and the 160 MW Trans-Asia wind power plant.

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It is a joint venture between State Grid Corp. of China and one Taipan Holdings of Henry Sy, Jr., the eldest son of mall magnate Henry Sy.