ERC raises power generation caps for grids

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera – March 17, 2024 | 8:06 pm
from Business World

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it set new caps for installed generating capacity (IGC) and market share for the main power grids in 2024.

The national grid’s IGC rose to 25.57 million kilowatts (kW), or 25,567.27 megawatts (MW) from last year’s 25.47 million kW or 25,471.04 MW, according to a resolution dated March 12.

For Luzon, the allotted IGC for 2024 is 17.96 million kW (17,961.72 MW); the Visayas 3.42 million kW (3,417.17 MW); and Mindanao 4.19 million kW (4,187.84 MW).

The IGC is the maximum capacity of the generation facilities connected to a transmission system or distribution system, which are part of a particular grid. 

The ERC sets the caps for IGC annually.

Under Republic Act No. 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, no company or related group can own, operate or control more than 30% of the IGC of a grid and 25% of the national IGC.

“The base (total installed capacity) has increased; that is why the cap was adjusted proportionate to the base,” ERC Chairperson Monalisa C. Dimalanta said in a Viber message.

“Larger base reflects new capacities added to the system in 2023,” she said.

For 2024, the national grid’s market share limit is set at 6.39 million kW (6,391.92 MW), against 6.37 million kW (6,367.76 MW) a year earlier.

Power companies cannot own facilities with installed capacities exceeding 5.38 million kW (5,388 MW) in Luzon, 1.03 million kW (1,025 MW) in the Visayas, and 1.26 million kW (1,256 MW) in Mindanao.