Grid operator asks ERC to approve P9.5-b transmission line connecting Camarines Sur and Catanduanes
NATIONAL Grid Corp. of the Philippines is seeking the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission for the P9.5 billion Camarines Sur-Catanduanes Interconnection Project.
The proposed project involves the laying down of submarine cables and the installation of overhead transmission lines.
“The interconnection will support the load growth and power demand needed by the Catanduanes Island, thereby pushing the socio-economic development through the government’s economic plans and programs for the island in the near and long term,” NGCP said in a regulatory filing.
NGCP said it also plans to construct the Naga-Presentacion 230 kV transmission line and four 69 kV transmission lines. It also consists of the construction of six 69 kV substations.
NGCP cited data showing that Catanduanes’s peak demand reached 15 megawatts in 2020, while the total contracted supply in the same year was only 10.18 MW.
“The existing generating plants in Catanduanes Island cannot accommodate and keep up with the growing demand of electricity, in which case, loads need to be curtailed in order to provide continuous albeit insufficient service to its electricity customers,” NGCP said.
It said this scenario is also prevalent in the other islands of the Philippines, stunting economic growth in these areas.
“The implementation of a long-term solution for a reliable and competitive power supply must commence as early as possible. Considering that NGCP needs 48 months to fully complete the CCIP, the implementation must commence immediately. Thus, the prayer for the issuance of provisional authority,” the company said.
“Considering that planning, site development, righ-of-way concerns and construction of the transmission facilities would take several years to develop and complete, it is critical for NGCP to align its project development with the expected demand by acting immediately and address issues early through undertaking the proposed project,” it said.
NGCP was granted the franchise to operate, manage and maintain and engage in the business of conveying or transmitting electricity through a high-voltage backbone system of interconnected transmission lines, substations and related facilities.