The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gave its go signal for the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) Cebu-Bohol 230-kilovolt (kV) interconnection project. 

In its decision, ERC approved Option 1 of the project amounting to Php 19.61 billion, which would include the laying of an outright double circuit 230 kV submarine cable with 600 megawatt (MW) capacity per circuit with a provision for the third circuit between Cebu and Bohol. 

The project would also have a 230 kV double circuit overhead transmission line, a 230 kV switchyard in the existing Corella substation, and the expansion of the proposed Dumanjug 230kV substation under the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP). 

ERC said that option 1 was found to be a “more favorable solution that will address the security, reliability and load growth in Central Visayas.” 

Meanwhile, Option 2 will be initially energized at 138kV with an estimated cost of Php 19.49 billion. 

The Commission added that the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection project would provide another source of power supply for Bohol, which in turn would reduce its dependency on diesel-fired power plants and imported power from Leyte. 

Bohol is 60% percent dependent on Leyte for its power supply needs. 

“Under Option 1, power shutdown will not be required, in contrast to Option 2, considering that the project will already be energized at 230kV. The absence of a power shutdown under Option 1 will spare Bohol from social and economic implications,” ERC said in its decision. 

ERC added that the Cebu-Bohol project is consistent with the MVIP, as it will prepare for NGCP’s long-term plan to loop Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol in a 230kV level. 

The Cebu-Bohol interconnection project is among NGCP’s critical projects in the pipeline. The grid operator recently energized its 500kv Mariveles-Hermosa transmission line which will accommodate around 2,500 MW worth of electricity generated from different power plants in Bataan. 

Meanwhile, NGCP is looking to launch the MVIP in October this year.