Infra experts to gov’t: Prioritize PH grid modernization

Terry Ridon. INQUIRER file photo / JOAN BONDOC

MANILA, Philippines – Infrastructure and governance experts on Thursday urged the government to prioritize upgrading the country’s transmission grid.

In a forum, Atty. Terry Ridon, InfraWatch PH convenor,  said modernizing the Philippines’ transmission grid will help it achieve energy security.

“The ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) should tighten oversight on the completion of these critical infrastructure projects, which would hopefully strengthen the electricity value chain and prevent higher electricity cost for consumers,” Ridon said.

Ridon also suggested measures on how the country can address energy issues, which include ensuring the independence of regulatory agencies, developing clear and specific standards and performance metrics for energy companies to follow, and harsher penalties for non-compliance to these standards.

The InfraWatch PH convenor lauded the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ commitment to invest P300 billion in grid improvements as a step in the right direction but said that although the figure seems optimistic, the delay in important renewable energy projects makes it less comforting.

Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship Secretary General Engr. Felix Vitangco echoed Ridon’s call, saying upgrading the grid infrastructure to accommodate the increasing penetration of renewable energy would allow it to become “more agile, adaptive, and robust.”

According to Vitangco, this will boost economic development, leading to more jobs and better public services.

Meanwhile, Stratbase ADR Institute President Dindo Manhit called for an increased partnership between the government and the private sector in pursuing long-term energy exploration and infrastructure projects.

He said these projects involve building more power plants, updating the electricity system, expanding transmission networks, and enhancing energy storage.

However, in October, the Department of Energy (DOE) said that private-owned energy assets make the transition to clean energy difficult, making the transition more costly and slower than expected.

Despite this, the DOE aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the power generation mix to at least 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.