DOE Clarifies: NGCP Not Solely Responsible for Project Delays

The Department of Energy (DOE) acknowledged that the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is not the sole entity accountable for delays in various transmission projects.

Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin explained that multiple factors have contributed to these setbacks, including pending approvals from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and unresolved right-of-way issues involving landowners and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

“Sa right of way meron pa. There are cases that have pending ERC approval also. It’s a culmination of everything, like sa Panay, there’s an issue with the owner and the DENR,” Undersecretary Sharon Garin said during the hearing of the Committee on Legislative Franchises.

Lawmakers welcomed Garin’s pronouncement, with Philreca Party-List Rep. Presley De Jesus emphasizing that it is unfair to place all the blame on NGCP for the project delays.

“In short, hindi lang ito solely fault ng NGCP, just to make it clear. Ang masama rito, we’re not trying to defend NGCP. We’re trying to level the playing field. Kasi ang dating, kasalanan ng NGCP kung bakit maraming delays,” De Jesus said.

“But straight from the horse’s mouth, sabi mo may problema ERC at may pending pa sa korte,” he added.

De Jesus also stressed the importance of pursuing these transmission projects in order to bring down electricity prices.

“Ano ba ang purpose natin, pababain ang presyo ng kuryente o we just blame one element of the energy family?” he asked.

NGCP, for its part, has committed to submit its explanation regarding the delayed transmission projects.