NGCP seeks resolution of cases hampering Tuy-Dasmariñas project

MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is pushing for a “speedy court resolution” of cases delaying the completion of a transmission line project in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

The country’s sole power transmission operator has filed expropriation cases against several defendants who claimed interest over the properties affecting 16 of the 135 towers under the Tuy-Dasmariñas 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission line project.

The NGCP attributed the delay after a lower court recalled the writ of possession (WOP) document in one of the expropriation case, involving tenants to vacate a property.

“These setbacks encountered will most likely delay the completion of the Tuy-Dasmariñas project and will have an effect on transmission services,” NGCP said in a statement.

According to the transmission firm, the halt of the said project will affect the Luzon grid and the interconnected Visayas and Mindanao grids.

“Any delay in the project’s implementation will also impede the entry of additional power supply from new power plants,” the NGCP said.

The Regional Trial Court Branch 90 in Dasmariñas, Cavite earlier issued a WOP for three properties in 2020, covering six tower sites.

However, the lower court recalled the WOP and directed the relocation of one of the towers last November.

This prompted the NGCP to file a motion for reconsideration.

In addition, St. Francis Square Realty Corp. has filed for a motion for partial reconsideration, requesting the relocation of another tower.

Both issues are still awaiting resolution, according to the NGCP.

“The issuance of WOP is both ministerial and summary in nature. It ought not to be the cause of delay for the implementation of a vital national infrastructure project, such as a transmission project,” NGCP said.

The grid operator argued that the development of new substations and transmission facilities are “essential to support the continuous power requirement” amid a growing economy.

The NGCP’s Calaca substation remains as the lone substation in the western part of Batangas, with over 2,000 megawatts (MW) of power from nearby generating power plants being transmitted.

The Department of Energy (DOE) estimated a total of 5,215.55 MW in proposed generation capacity near Calaca.

Several power plants are being developed in the Batangas area, while others remain “indicative,” which are targeted for commissioning within the next six years.

“We have to remain ahead of the requirement of the system. Otherwise, we may face power interruptions to customers in parts of Metro Manila, North and South Luzon,” the NGCP said.

“We hope for the expeditious settlement of these concerns lodged with the expropriation court so that we may complete the project soonest, and ensure the continued improvement of the country’s transmission system,” the NGCP added.

The country’s sole power grid operator is facing another legal roadblock for the completion of the Hermosa-San Jose 500-kV line covering Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan.