THE National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) proposed to construct two interconnection projects worth P22.2 billion to ensure reliable transmission service to its customers.
In separate filings with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the grid operator said it plans to construct the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project worth P16.87 billion and the Quezon-Marinduque interconnection project worth P5.32 billion. The NGCP is asking the ERC to issue orders provisionally authorizing the implementation of the projects and approve these after hearings are conducted.
The Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project involves the laying down of submarine cables, installation of overhead transmission lines and development of substations. Construction would be completed in 110 months, the NGCP said. This project will address the inefficient power supply in the island of Mindoro. Once completed, the island will be connected to the Luzon grid, which will eventually benefit Palawan, according to the NGCP.
“With the interconnection, Mindoro can already source adequate and reliable power supply, and access to a more competitive generation sources in the Luzon grid. Also, with a reliable transmission backbone, Mindoro may export power through the development of renewable power in the province,” the NGCP said.
“Further, this will fulfill the government’s direction of interconnecting off-grid areas to the main grid. Lastly, this will prepare the country to the planned ASEAN power grid interconnection,” the operator of state-owned power grid added.
Mindoro’s power system is presently being operated by the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) of the National Power Corp., Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative and Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative.
The NGCP said that with the forecasted increase in the demand for Mindoro island, the current source of power can no longer accommodate the future load requirements.
“The implementation of the interconnection of the Luzon grid to the Mindoro grid will resolve this issue by providing Mindoro with an access to a more reliable and competitive generation sources in the Luzon grid.
By being connected to the main grid, the power quality issues which result to frequent power interruption experienced by the customers will be addressed,” it said.
Meanwhile, the NGCP said the proposed Quezon-Marinduque interconnection project must start as soon as possible because the available generation capacity in Marinduque may no longer support the needs of residential and business in a few years.
“To avoid this from happening, implementation must commence as early as now. Considering that NGCP needs 54 months to fully complete the project, implementation must commence immediately,” the NGCP said.
