NGCP seeks ERC approval of Tuguegarao transmission line project

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has asked the Energy Regulatory Commission to approve its P2.4-billion, 230-kilovolt (kV) transmission line project in Cagayan Valley from Tuguegarao to Barangay Magapit in the municipality of Lal-lo. The project will include the construction of a substation in Magapit and the expansion of the Tuguegarao substation as well as putting up a transmission line between the two. NGCP said that the construction of the line and the substation is meant to improve the overall reliability of Northern Luzon's transmission network. "Thus, the implementation of this project is necessary in order to provide for the necessary transmission connection of new wind power plants in the province of Cagayan, like the 50 MW [megawatt] Sanchez Mira wind power plant and the 160 MW Trans-Asia wind power plant," it said. According to the company, the project is part of the development of the North Luzon kV loop that will connect the Luzon grid's northwestern and northeastern 230 kV sections. "This loop will provide adequate transmission facilities to cater to the huge wind power generation potential in the region, and importantly, to improve the overall reliability of the transmission network of northern Luzon," it said. Once it gets the ERC nod, said NGCP, it will begin construction on the project this year. It expects to complete it in 2016. The privately owned NGCP operates, maintains and develops the Philippines’ transmission highway, owned by the National Transmission Corp. — BM, GMA News