ERC fasttracks approvals, clears 8 gencos

MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved clearances for eight generation companies (gencos) to operate their power projects as it pushes to fasttrack regulatory approvals within its 60-day window.

The ERC has granted provisional authorities to operate (PAOs) to five power gencos, pending the issuance of certificates of compliances (COCs).

Among the companies are part of A Brown Co. Inc. (ABCI). These are Peakpower San Francisco Inc. for its 5.2-megawatt (MW) diesel power plant at Brgy. San Francisco, Agusan del Sur and Peakpower Bukidnon Inc. for its 10.42-MW diesel power plant located in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

The power regulator also granted PAO to SMC Consolidated Power Corp. for its 150-MW Limay circulating fluidized bed coal-fired thermal power plant Unit 1 in Bataan.

It also cleared SPC Power Corp. to operate its 16-MW Power Barge 104 and 0.6-MW black start diesel engine generator – both located in Ubay, Bohol – ahead of the COC issuance.

The ERC can issue PAOs to enable a gencos to operate its generation facility prior to granting COCs. This means gencos with PAO will be able to operate their facilities for six months, which shall be included in the five-year term of the COC.

Meanwhile, the ERC granted the conversion of PAOs to COCs to two gencos, one of which is King Energy Generation Inc. (KEGI) for its 3.2-MW bunker-fired diesel power plant 1 and 0.31-MW black start diesel engine generator with  both located in Quezon, Bukidnon.

The other company is Peakpower Soccsargen Inc. (PSI) for its 13.94-MW diesel power plant located at Brgy. Apopong, General Santos City.

The power regulator also approved the renewal of the COC of PowerSource Philippines Inc. for its 0.7-MW diesel engine power plant in Bataraza, Palawan.

Moreover, it granted Pagbilao Energy Corp. (PEC) a COC for its 420-MW Pagbilao Unit 3 coal-fired thermal power plant and 1.04-MW black start generator located in Pagbilao, Quezon.

The COCs are required to commercially operate a power plant or other facilities used in generation of electricity.

“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 brown outs,” ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said.