On a roll: NGCP commits to complete more transmission lines

With concerted efforts from energy sector players, the Marcos Administration’s goal of achieving 100% total electrification by the end of President Marcos’ term under the National Total Electrification Roadmap (NTER) 2023-2032 is within reach .

And for its part, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is fully committed to doing its utmost as a strategic partner of the government. Their unwavering dedication ensures that the Roadmap is not just a vision on paper, but a tangible reality: a lifeline of electricity that reaches every home, fueling progress and lighting the path to a better future for all Filipinos.

The transmission company has been running well since it took over the government’s transmission activities in 2009. Over fifteen years, the NGCP has significantly expanded the country’s transmission network, reflecting the company’s commitment to its mandate to improve and expand the network.

These initiatives have not only strengthened the country’s energy infrastructure, but also underline the spirit of cooperation driving the country towards a fully electrified future.

Among these major projects already benefiting Philippine energy users are the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection, the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230kV Interconnection, and the full energization of the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose 500kV transmission backbone in Western Luzon that will support meet the country’s growing energy needs.

“Marami na pong nagawa ang NGCP, at marami pa kaming gagawin para makatulong na maiangat en ekonomiya ng bansa. Asahan po ninyo na kaisa ng gobyerno, lagi kaming nakahandang tumulong at sumuporta” said NGCP President and CEO Anthony Almeda.

“The pursuit of excellence has always been part of NGCP’s DNA, and we, together with the support of our national government, will continue to strive harder to provide better services to all Filipinos,” he added.

The Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Line, which was inaugurated by President Marcos last July 12, will benefit 59 million Filipino consumers and other energy users as the facility further secures and stabilizes electricity transmission services in Luzon.

However, Mr Almeda acknowledged that total household electrification in the country, especially in remote areas, could still be a challenge, but that will not stop the NGCP from doing more in partnership with the Department of Energy (DoE) , the main agency overseeing the implementation of the strategies outlined in the NTER.

As of June 2023, the DoE said about 25.3 million households in the Philippines have benefited from the electrification program. This represents a household electrification level of 91.1% of an estimated potential of 27.7 million households based on the 2020 Census on Population and Housing (CPH).

The DoE added that there are still about 2.5 million households without electricity, or about 10.25 million people, who need access to electricity. The government continues to work towards achieving 100% total electrification by 2028 through various strategies, including mainstream connections, distribution line extensions, stand-alone home systems and microgrid systems.

The NGCP chief also said the company will work closely with the DoE to complete more transmission projects on time, especially the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project and the 230 kV loop in Northern Luzon, as per President Marcos’ instructions during his speech at the Mariveles conference. Inauguration of the Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Line in Bataan.

“Nakahanda ang NGCP na kumilos upang makamit ang goal ng pamahalaan na 100% electrification sa pagtatapos ng termino in Pangulong Marcos,” Mr. Almeda assured.

But he also emphasized the need for the construction of additional power stations as part of a broader strategy to ensure a stable and continuous energy supply that will support the country’s progress and support its burgeoning economy.

Mr. Almeda further mentioned the importance of creating an investor-friendly environment that encourages the inflow of capital into the energy sector and ensures a level playing field.

“While improving transmission and distribution systems remains a priority, it is clear that these efforts must be complemented by building new energy generation capacities and creating a friendlier business environment to make the sector more attractive to investors,” he said. said.

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