NGCP Transmission Projects Face New 2027 Completion Targets
- August 27, 2026
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The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved new completion timelines for two National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) transmission projects worth a combined ₱8.2 billion, citing right-of-way, permitting, and other implementation challenges that delayed their construction.
In separate orders dated Aug. 24, the regulator allowed the completion of the ₱6.3-billion Porac 230-kilovolt substation project to be moved to June 30, 2027, while setting March 31, 2027 as the new deadline for the ₱1.89-billion Amlan-Dumaguete 138-kV transmission line project.
The projects are intended to support growing electricity demand in their respective areas and strengthen the reliability of the power grid.
Right-Of-Way Issues
The Porac substation project in Pampanga was originally scheduled for completion by Nov. 18, 2026. Under the ERC’s latest order, NGCP has been given more than seven additional months to finish the project.
The project is designed to address projected electricity demand growth in Pampanga, where additional transmission infrastructure is needed to support the expanding load.
NGCP sought an adjustment to the project’s estimated completion time after encountering right-of-way issues that slowed implementation.
The grid operator told the ERC that the timelines submitted in its project applications were based on “best-case scenario” assumptions and were intended as estimates rather than firm commitments.
NGCP said such projections assumed that no roadblocks, construction difficulties or legal impediments would arise during implementation.
While acknowledging that major infrastructure projects could face unforeseen obstacles, the ERC underscored the importance of completing transmission facilities on time, given their role in maintaining reliable power supply.
The regulator nevertheless found the revised deadline reasonable, while directing NGCP to take necessary steps to reduce the operational impact of the delay.
Amlan-Dumaguete Deadline Moved
The ERC also granted NGCP’s request to move the completion target for the Amlan-Dumaguete transmission line to March 31, 2027 from the original deadline of Sept. 5, 2024.
The 138-kV project is intended to accommodate rising electricity demand in Negros Oriental and help address recurring and prolonged power interruptions in Southern Negros. As of February 2026, the project was about 64.38 percent complete.
Once operational, the line is expected to allow more generation facilities to connect to the grid and improve the reliability and efficiency of electricity service to local distribution utilities.
The ERC said NGCP encountered several challenges during implementation, including delays in executing a writ of possession, issues involving the local government, and difficulties in securing permits, clearances, and licenses. The project was also affected by opposition from an affected landowner.
After reviewing NGCP’s motion for partial reconsideration and the circumstances surrounding the delay, the commission said the March 2027 deadline was reasonable in view of the need to provide adequate transmission support to affected areas.
The ERC also ordered NGCP to pay ₱14.17 million in permit fees and submit detailed quarterly progress reports on the projects.
Grid Reliability Concerns
The delay comes as power reliability remains a concern in the Visayas. Since the start of the year, the Visayas grid has recorded 107 grid alerts, including 86 yellow alerts, according to the information cited in the ERC proceedings.
The regulator stressed that the Amlan-Dumaguete project alone would not completely resolve Southern Negros’ grid vulnerabilities.
NGCP remains responsible for addressing recurring power interruptions during single-contingency or N-1 events along the existing Amlan-Siaton 69-kV transmission line, the ERC said.
The grid operator may pursue the proposed Siaton-Bayawan 138-kV transmission line ahead of the ERC’s approval only after securing a Certificate of Energy Project of National Significance from the Department of Energy.
Such certification can help fast-track permitting and other processes for projects considered important to national security, economic development, or grid stability.
The ERC directed NGCP to maintain safeguards to manage N-1 outage risks and mitigate the impact of delays on affected distribution utilities.
NGCP, the country’s sole transmission operator, develops, operates, and maintains the state-owned power grid and is responsible for delivering electricity from power plants to distribution utilities.
The company earlier said it was on track to complete 10 projects worth ₱30.88 billion this year. If completed as planned, these projects would bring its total completed projects for the year to 15, with a combined value of about ₱38 billion.
The Amlan-Dumaguete line is among the projects identified by NGCP for completion, alongside transmission and substation developments in Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Source:
https://mb.com.ph/2026/08/25/erc-grants-ngcp-extension-on-19-billion-negros-power-line-project
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2026/08/25/ngcp-told-to-finish-key-project-in-2027
