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ERC fast-tracks approval of NGCP projects to address power woes

Business | Trade & Industry

ERC fast-tracks approval of NGCP projects to address power woes

By Gabriell Christel Galang

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) vowed to fast-track decisions on pending capital expenditure (CAPEX) projects from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), following a request from the Department of Energy (DOE).

On the sidelines of the 2025 Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines (EJAP) Forum, ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino Juan stated that the commission is aiming to approve some of these projects as early as September.

Juan noted the urgency of the NGCP’s applications.

“We'll already discuss and approve the remaining CAPEX that were not included in the fourth [regulatory period], some were included in the fifth,” he said, adding the commission is prepared to issue decisions quickly “so they can already be started by NGCP.”

The ERC’s decision to prioritize these projects comes after the DOE sent a letter requesting they be expedited.

The commission had previously approved two projects before Juan's appointment: the ₱18.8 billion Western Luzon 500-kilovolt (kV) backbone project and the ₱13 billion Nagsaag-Santiago 500-kV transmission line project.

According to the NGCP’s Transmission Development Plan (TDP) 2024–2050, the grid operator plans to build more transmission backbones and major island interconnections. The plan also includes connecting off-grid areas, such as Quezon–Marinduque, Camarines Sur–Catanduanes, Claver–Siargao, and Zamboanga–Basilan, to the main grid.

Juan noted that these off-grid areas are a key focus due to high generation rates. “Many have been complaining about the generation rates that are being implemented. That's one,” he said.

Related Tags

Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)

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