NGCP calls for ‘fair’ analysis of its operations

By Alena Mae S. Flores – July 18, 2023, 9:10 pm
from manilastandard.net

Transmission operator National Grid Corp. of the Philippines called for a “fair and objective analysis and fact finding process” of its operations.

NGCP said it was able to significantly improve transmission services in the country upon take over from the government.

“When we took over, it was our task to turn around an ailing, aging, and under developed transmission sector, and grow it into a robust business, at its core profitable, but also able to boast of good service at the best price,” the company said.

NGCP said a fair process would show that the company has done what it was supposed to do “and has played by all the rules.”

“Simply put, we have offered better services at a lower cost, without burdening government with the obligation to source investments into such a critical sector of the energy industry,” NGCP said.

The company said delays in the completion of its transmission projects could not be avoided but it has completed a total of 56 projects and has invested P300 billion in the transmission system since 2009.

NGCP said it also installed a total of 3,729 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, 28 new substations, and an additional 31,190 MVA of transformer capacity in the past 14 years.

“The world is only beginning to recover from the disruption that  two years of COVID-19 restrictions caused to the global supply chain. Delays in projects across all industries are still being felt,” it said.

NGCP said developed countries takes anywhere between 10 to 15 years to build transmission lines but the company is set to complete major critical projects in much less time.

NGCP has energized and will complete the Hermosa-San Jose 500kV Transmission Line Project and the Cebu-Negros-Panay Stage 3 Backbone Project are set for completion this year in just 7 years.

The Mindanao Visayas Interconnection Project, a landmark endeavor, was also energized and will be completed in only six years.

“We stress the need for a holistic approach to power planning. Development in all sectors involved in the power industry must be coordinated, with due attention given to each,” NGCP said.