NGCP Advances Bataan Transmission Line Completion After Supreme Court Lifts TRO

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced progress on the critical Hermosa-San Jose 500-kiloVolt (kV) transmission line (HSJ) after the Supreme Court lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) that had stalled the project.

Project Delay and TRO Lift

The HSJ line, vital for securing transmission services in Luzon, experienced a nine-month delay due to a TRO issued in July 2023. The Supreme Court lifted this order via a resolution dated February 28, 2024, which was promulgated on April 8, 2024.

“We are happy that the Supreme Court thoroughly studied the case and found no merit in the petitions filed against NGCP. This will enable us to complete the remaining portion of the HSJ which will better serve the bulk generation coming in from Bataan,” the NGCP stated.

Background of the TRO

The TRO was placed against the expropriation and construction of part of the HSJ on property owned by Phirst Park Homes Inc. (PPHI). Upon receiving the TRO on July 6, 2023, NGCP halted activities along Towers 170-178 of the line, stalling the stringing of the line’s remaining circuit.

Resumption and Completion Timeline

Following the TRO’s lifting, NGCP resumed stringing activities, completing Line 1 on May 19, 2024, which now enables a 4,000MW line capacity. The second line is expected to be completed by mid-July.

Project Significance and Financials

With a project cost of P17.3 billion, the HSJ is certified as an Energy Project of National Significance (EPNS). The completion and full energization of the line are crucial to accommodate additional power generation and prevent Luzon-wide power interruptions. Despite the substantial project cost, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has allowed NGCP to recover only P19 million, a mere 0.1% of the total cost.

Current Status

HSJ was energized on May 27, 2023, with an initial capacity to accommodate 2,000MW from Bataan. This capacity will quadruple to 8,000MW once the unfinished portion of the line is completed.

Conclusion

The NGCP’s swift action following the lifting of the TRO is set to enhance Luzon’s power infrastructure significantly, ensuring a more stable and reliable power supply for the region.