NGCP urged to fast-track Leyte-Mindanao power interconnection

The Joint Congressional Power Commission wants the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to fast-track the interconnection of Leyte and Mindanao power grids through a 23-kilometer submarine cable. Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Monday said the decision of the National Grid to go ahead with the first phase of the P24-billion interconnection project is beneficial to Mindanao as it “would boost power supply in the island and thus attract more investors." Finally, there are now concrete developments that indicate the project will be pursued after being in the pipeline for almost 30 years, he said. The National Grid has already applied with the Energy Regulatory Commission for the start of the feasibility studies for the interconnection project, according to Rodriguez. “I really believe that [this move will] assure Mindanao of power and investors, because if it is interconnected with the entire Philippine grid already, we would have more investors in Mindanao," he said. Last March 14, the National Grid — which runs the country’s power transmission highway — asked the regulatory body to give it a green light for the implementation of the interconnection project’s first phase. Phase 1 of the project involves the implementation of a feasibility and technical study. Phase 2 covers the actual implementation of the project. Also, Sen. Sergio Osmena III said the interconnection project is “a step forward… If we do not interconnect, our power grid remains too small. And, as we were in Mindanao before, we will have a shortage." — JE, GMA News