NGCP's P2.3-billion Mindanao substation gets ERC nod


To enhance grid stability in Northern Mindanao, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved a P2.34 billion capital expenditure (CAPEX) project by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

In a statement, the ERC announced on Thursday, Nov. 21, that it has greenlit NGCP's Laguindingan 230 kilovolt (kV) substation project, which aims to improve power supply reliability in parts of Misamis Oriental.

NGCP is tasked with completing the project by Jan. 31, 2025. Once operational, the substation will strengthen the power infrastructure supporting Misamis Oriental I Electric Cooperative (MORESCO I) and the Laguindingan Technopark industrial zone.

The ERC stated that this project will address overloading issues at the Opol substation, which currently supplies power to Laguindingan. It will also alleviate the insufficient interrupting capacity of the Tagoloan substation.

"If NGCP fails to meet this deadline, it will face penalties under relevant laws and regulations," the ERC warned.

ERC Chairman Monalisa Dimalanta noted that the substation project is already approximately 85 percent complete. The commission continues to assess and approve other CAPEX projects throughout the Philippines.

NGCP has previously outlined plans to implement around 100 projects by 2050, with a total CAPEX of P600 billion.