NGCP commits to complete transmission projects, backs 100% electrification

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Thursday said it is committed to complete its major transmission projects in support of the Marcos administration’s aim to hit 100% electrification of households in the entire country.

In a news release, NGCP president and CEO Anthony Almeda said the transmission systems operator will “collaborate closely with the DOE (Department of Energy) to complete more transmission projects on time, particularly the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project and the Northern Luzon 230-kilovolt loop.”

“The NGCP is fully committed to work on with the government to achieve its target of 100% electrification by the end of President Marcos’ term,” Almeda said.

The NGCP chief, however, cited the need for the construction of additional power plants as part of a broader strategy to ensure a stable and continuous power supply that will sustain the nation's progress and support its burgeoning economy.

He also emphasized 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 the enhancement of transmission and distribution systems remains a priority, it is clear that these efforts must be complemented by the establishment of new power generation capacities and the creation of a more friendly business environment to make the sector more appealing to investors,” he said.

The NGCP chief said that among its projects that are already in operations 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.

“We will continue to strive harder, along with the support of our national government, in bringing better service for all Filipinos,” Almeda said.

According to the latest data from the DOE, approximately 25.3 million households in the Philippines have been electrified already.

The number represents a household electrification level of 91.1% out of an estimated potential of 27.7 million households based on the 2020 Census on Population and Housing (CPH). 

With this, are still around 2.5 million unserved households or approximately 10.25 million people that need access to electricity.—AOL, GMA Integrated News