NGCP's 2026 targets at risk as right-of-way disputes intensify
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) expects to finish several key transmission backbone projects next year, including the link to Boracay Island, despite persistent construction delays.
In a briefing on Wednesday. Dec. 17, Cynthia Alabanza, NGCP spokesperson, said the grid operator is aiming to complete the Tuy-Dasmariñas 500-kilovolt transmission line next year.
The ₱8.1 billion project, originally scheduled for completion this quarter, is designed to integrate approximately 5,215.5 megawatts of planned power capacity in Batangas.
In the Visayas region, the company is targeting the completion of the ₱4.23 billion Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138-kilovolt line. That project, which includes underground and submarine cables, is intended to support rising electricity demand on the resort island.
The development also involves a new substation in Boracay and upgrades to the existing Nabas facility.
NGCP has frequently cited right-of-way disputes and court-ordered relocations as the primary drivers of infrastructure delays.
The updates come as the operator reported a decline in transmission rates for November billing. The transmission charge fell to ₱0.5894 per kilowatt-hour from ₱0.5953, while ancillary service rates—costs passed through to consumers to maintain grid stability—dropped to ₱0.6217 per kilowatt-hour from ₱0.7542.
While rates softened in Luzon due to higher energy consumption spreading fixed costs, charges in Visayas and Mindanao rose as lower consumption increased the per-unit cost, according to Julius Ryan Datingaling, NGCP assistant vice president and head of revenue management.