The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the Capas substation proposed by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to manage the connection of New Clark City (NCC) to the grid.
In a statement, the ERC said this approval will help address load growth in Capas, which is anticipated to increase due to the connection of NCC’s distribution utility, Shin Clark Power Corp. (SCPC), along with Tarlac Electric Cooperatives I and II (TARELCO I & II) and Tarlac Electric Inc. (TEI).
According to the ERC, the Capas 230 kilovolt (kV) substation, valued at P2.585 billion, will be “subject to optimization during the reset process for the subsequent regulatory period.” This means the project will be reviewed in the future to ensure the substation’s efficiency based on its actual use and verified expenses.
“[This is] following the procedures stated in the Rules in Setting the Transmission Wheeling Rates (RTWR) and other relevant issuances of the Commission,,” the ERC added.
With the rising developments in NCC, NGCP’s Capas substation project will address major load management needs, especially as the area develops Clark Green City.
The project will draw power from the Concepcion 230 kV substation through the proposed Concepcion-Capas 230 kV transmission line.
“The project involves the installation of 2x300 MVA 230/69 kV transformer and 14-km double circuit 230 kV transmission line from Concepcion to Capas 230 kV Substation,” NGCP said.
Other approved NGCP projects include another Luzon-based asset, the Balaoan-Laoag 500 kV transmission line, worth P20.65 billion. This is one of the firm’s major grid developments, along with the Western Luzon 500 kV backbone Stage 2, the Tuy-Dasmarinas 500 kV line, and the Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection.
Aimed at strengthening the grid connection, the Balaoan-Laoag line will connect wind and solar power projects in Ilocos Norte.
Additionally, NGCP has powered the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection project, which utilizes submarine cables and overhead lines to address the area’s rising power demand.