The Energy Regulatory Commission approved the P19.61-billion Cebu-Bohol 230 kV interconnection project of National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.
It approved NGCP’s proposed option 1 for the Cebu-Bohol transmission project which involves the laying of outright double circuit 230 kV submarine cable with 600 megawatts of capacity, construction of 230 kV double circuit transmission line, development of 230 kV switchyard and expansion of the Dumanjug 230 kV substation.
Option 1 or the Cebu-Bohol 230 kV interconnection project is consistent with the proposed Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project as it will help prepare for NGCP’s long-term plan to loop Cebu, Leyte and Bohol in a 230 kV level, the ERC said.
The regulator said the approval of the NGCP’s project will redound to the benefit of the electricity consumers in terms of continuous, reliable and efficient power supply as mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
The commission directed NGCP to pay a permit fee amounting to P147.109 million.
“With the implementation of the project, the congestion in the existing Leyte-Bohol 138 kV submarine cable will be prevented hence, resulting in reduced generation and line rental costs,” the ERC said.
The ERC said option 1 was found to be the more favorable solution that will address the security, reliability and load growth in Central Visayas.
It said the project would further provide another source of power supply for Bohol, reducing its dependency on diesel power plants and imported power from Leyte.