The inauguration of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose 500kV transmission line in Barangay Balsik, Hermosa, Bataan on July 12, 2024. The 8,000 MegaWatt (MW)-line is more than capable of transmitting the 2,086MW power from new plants in the area. Niño Jesus Orbeta, PPA pool

MANILA (UPDATE) — Lawmakers again criticized the country's power grid operator over the delays in some of its projects as well as "moving" the target dates for completion of some projects. 

An official of the Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday said the target completion date for transmission projects of the NGCP should be fixed and the projects completed on time.

ERC imposes P15.8-M fines on NGCP for 34 delayed projects

During the House Committee on Legislative Franchises Hearing on Tuesday, Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin told lawmakers 97 completed projects and 46 on-going projects have been delayed.

"Every time there is a new transmission development plan, which is annual, there is a new schedule," she said.

Among the delayed transmission projects identified in Garin's presentation:

• Northern Luzon Loop (Original target date: June 2024, Current target date: March 2028)

• Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection (Original target date: March 2021, Current target date: September 2027)

• Hermosa-San Jose (Original target date: 2020, Completed: June 23, 2024)

• Cebu-Negros-Panay (Original target date: December 2020, Completed: March 27, 2024)

• Cebu-Bohol Interconnection (Original target date: December 2020, Current target date: December 2024)

• Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection (Original target date: 2018, Completed: January 26,2024)

House Deputy Speaker Quezon Rep. David Suarez questioned why the target completion date have become "moving targets" instead of being finished on time.

Refund of NGCP's alleged 'excess revenues' worth P204 billion sought

"Bakit hindi nila matapos yung mga proyekto sa nakatakdang panahon? At sila pa ang nagsasabi kung kailan nila tatapusin ito sa kanilang kakayahan. I don't see any reason why they should have delays in their projects," Suarez lamented.

Suarez said the NGCP should be held accountable for delays in its projects.

"How are we supposed to hold companies, entities accountable to their performance targets if we can't even hold on to specific targets when it comes to when projects should be completed?" he said.

Garin then said they have made a recommendation to the NGCP on this issue. 

"The targets are supposed to be fixed. That's what we communicated to the NGCP," she explained. 

Garin however also said among the issues affecting NGCP projects include right of way, local government unit or environmental permits.

Atty. Pia San Diego of the NGCP requested for a copy of the list of delayed projects so they can submit a detailed explanation on the reason for the delays. 

ERC EYES BIGGER FINES

The Energy Regulatory Commission meanwhile said it is seeking to impose higher fines on the NGCP over the delay of 34 transmission projects.

ERC Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta said they have so far given P15.8 million in fines on the NGCP.

"We are already revising our schedule of fines and penalties, plus we are seeking the amendment of EPIRA to allow us to impose higher penalties," she said. 

House panel chairperson Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting said the fines may not be enough. Tambunting earlier questioned if the fines compensated the economic impact of the delays.

"If it is just P500,000, mas mabuti mag penalty na lang ako kaysa kumpletuhin yung proyekto," he said.

NGCP Assistant Vice President and Head of Public Relations Cynthia Alabanza cited regulatory challenges and external factors as contributors to the delays.

SUBPOENA

Earlier in the hearing, the House panel approved a motion to subpoena duces tecum for the NGCP to produce a copy of its shareholder agreement in a week.

Surigao Del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers underscored the importance of the shareholders agreement to the investigation. 

"We'd like to determine sino ba talaga nagco-control sa NGCP? Is it run, controlled, managed, operated by the Chinese? Or is it really the Filipino? Kaya very crucial ito because we'd like to determine up to what extent does the foreign incorporators or counterpart have influence over the management, operation of this corporation," he said. 

The House panel will again invite NGCP President and CEO Anthony Almeda to its next hearing to shed more light on the issues being raised.

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