DOE, ERC told: Study allowing 3rd parties to construct transmission projects

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday ordered the Department of Energy and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to study allowing third-party constructors for the country’s transmission projects.

Marcos gave the order during the ceremonial energization of the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project in Malacañan Palace in Manila.

“I have also directed the Department of Energy and the ERC to look into the proposal of allowing third parties to construct transmission projects at the pace required by the country’s power needs as we grow out of the pandemic economy,” said Marcos in his speech.

While Marcos welcomed the connection project linking the power grids of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, he said a critical incident must be addressed.

The President gave a stern reminder to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) about the Panay Island blackouts, which resulted in economic losses amounting to P3.8 billion.

READ: NGCP not solely to blame for Visayas outage – senators

“We acknowledge the NGCP’s immense responsibility and role in maintaining the stability of our grid, including the need to ensure the completion of critical interconnection projects and to undertake other necessary activities to support a safe, reliable grid operation,” said Marcos.

“So, we look forward to your assurances in the promised completion of the 230 kV Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project by March of this year, as well as the commitment that you have made to complete the Hermosa-San Jose 500 kV transmission lines next month,” he added.

READ: Energy regulators step up pressure on grid operator