Petron Corporation has filed an application with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to connect its refinery power plant to a National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) substation.
According to documents released by the ERC on Jan. 22, Petron submitted its request through the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop (EVOSS) portal.
The company seeks authorization to develop, own, and operate a connection between its Refinery Solid Fuel-Fired Boiler power plant and the Hermosa-Bataan combined cycle power plant's Line 3 substation.
The connection, estimated to cost P314 million, would enable Petron to deliver excess power to the Luzon grid and provide backup power to the refinery in case of outages.
While Petron has requested regulatory approval for the connection, the ERC has instructed the company to publish a Notice of Virtual Hearing for the public, inform Bataan residents about the petition, and submit all necessary documents before the hearing.
Petron asserts that the project is financially viable, with funding secured through loans and equity. The company is confident in its ability to develop, own, and operate the connection.
Furthermore, NGCP conducted system impact studies in 2012 and 2020, confirming the feasibility of the connection.
The Department of Energy (DOE) also issued a Certificate of Endorsement to the refinery plant, verifying its compliance with the government's power development plan.
If the ERC approves the connection, Petron will maintain a 2.5-kilometer, 34.5-kilovolt double-circuit line from its refinery to the NGCP substation.
Completed in 2019, the substation is part of the Bataan 230-kilovolt (kV) grid reinforcement project, valued at P3.3 billion. This project aimed to enhance the reliability of power supply in the region.