Solon wants gov't to take over control of NGCP | ABS-CBN

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Solon wants gov't to take over control of NGCP

Solon wants gov't to take over control of NGCP

Alvin Elchico,

ABS-CBN News

 | 

Updated Dec 26, 2024 06:38 PM PHT

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Workers fix a power transmission line near Tagaytay City on January 21, 2020. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/fileWorkers fix a power transmission line near Tagaytay City on January 21, 2020. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

MANILA - A congressman wants the operation of the country's power grid returned to government control. 

Laguna Representative Dan Fernandez said he will push the return of the country's power grid to the National Transmission Corp (Transco) from the National Grid Corp of the Philippines as the House of Representatives starts its probe on its franchise by January 2025.

Transco, a government-owned and controlled corporation, owns the power grid, but NGCP, a private firm has the franchise to operate it.

Fernandez, in an interview with Gising Pilipinas today, enumerated alleged violations of NGCP of its Congressional franchise that is effective until 2034. According to Fernandez, the NGCP has charged consumers for projects that have been started but yet to be finished. 

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Fernandez also claimed that the NGCP failed to offer to the public a part of the company which is a condition of its franchise. 

The legislator also claimed that foreigners particularly the Chinese own more than 40 percent of the company contrary to the company's assertion that 60 percent of the firm is owned by Filipinos. 

NGCP REACTS 

NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza meanwhile said she hopes the legislators will give them a fair shake and allow them to explain everything. 

Alabanza said charging for unfinished projects was allowed by the previous ERC and had been practiced even before Transco's time. She said allowing them to charge for unfinished projects will be good for consumers as it will shield them from sudden spikes in charges in the future. 

On the issue of ownership, Alabanza maintained that the NGCP is 60 percent owned by Filipino businessmen Henry Sy Jr. and Robert Coyuito Jr. while 40 percent is owned by State Grid of China. 

DOE CONFIRMS VIOLATION 

Energy undersecretary Sharon Garin meanwhile said that based on its study, the NGCP has several violations of its franchise. 

Garin said at the top of the list are the delays in several projects that affect the country's energy plan. She said the delayed projects mean additional costs which are eventually passed on to consumers.



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