ERC to fast-track NGCP CapEx for grid upgrades

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is set to resolve long-pending capital expenditure (CapEx) applications of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) within the month.

ERC Chairperson Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the commission is aiming to issue decisions on the remaining CapEx projects not included in earlier batches.

“Most likely within a month, we’ll already discuss and approve the remaining CapEx that were not included in the fourth, some were included in the fifth,” Juan said.

“But if there will be a need for us to issue a decision on these pending CapEx projects so NGCP can already start them then we will do that,” he added.

The Department of Energy (DoE) has formally flagged critical NGCP projects as urgent, prompting the ERC to accelerate its review process.

“We have also received a letter from the DoE on these critical CapEx projects of NGCP that need the attention of ERC,” Juan said.

“So that’s why we’re prioritizing also,” he added.

NGCP, which operates under a 25-year franchise, has faced increasing criticism over delays that hinder the integration of new power plants and worsen transmission bottlenecks.

Industry analysts note that unresolved grid constraints threaten overall energy stability and delay needed capacity expansions.

Juan emphasized that transparency remains a core principle in the commission’s proceedings.

“Our commission meetings are streamed live for the public,” he said.

Aside from NGCP-related approvals, the ERC is also shifting focus to persistent power supply issues in off-grid areas.

These areas, often island provinces and remote communities, rely on diesel-powered generators and independent power producers.

As a result, residents in off-grid locations face significantly higher generation costs, which are passed on to consumers.

Juan said the commission will also prioritize actions to address these localized energy challenges.