Vis, Min power grids to be connected by 2020

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is targetting to be able to complete and start the operations of the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project (VMIP) by 2020.

"We are targetting on a very abbreviated timeline, December 2020. Abbreviated because there are factors on timing that we cannot control," said Cynthia D. Perez-Alabanza, spokesperson and head of Corporate Communication and Public Affairs Department of NGCP, during the Press Briefing on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao at Pidoks, Davao City on Tuesday.

She said among the factors that can affect the interconnection is the right-of-way (ROW) acquisition and also the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

"The December 2020 target is assuming that we will not encounter any delays," Alabanza said.

The VMIP will be connected via Dipolog and Cebu.

Alabanza said the feasibility study for the project has already been completed and they are now set to present it to the ERC for approval for the construction of the project.

"Even before the approval, we are already conducting some preliminary and preparatory works so we will be able to stick with the timeline," she said.

Alabanza said the submarine cable that will be laid down will have a capacity to transmit 400MW between Mindanao and Visayas. The project cost of the VMIP will be around P52 billion but this is still subject to approval by the ERC.

Once approved by the ERC, the project will be up for bidding. Alabanza said at present, only foreign firms have the capability to lay down submarine cables that is required by this project.

The interconnection will allow power generating facilities in Mindanao to sell power to distribution utilities, electricity cooperatives, directly connected customers in Visayas and Luzon. Likewise, distribution utilities, electricity cooperatives, directly connected customers will also be able to get electricity from the Luzon and Visayas power plants.