NGCP activates ₱10.2-B Hermosa-San Jose line to boost Luzon transmission

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 28) — The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has energized the Hermosa-San Jose (HSJ) 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line, which aims to increase the reliability of power transmission in Luzon.

The transmission firm said it activated the Hermosa-San Jose line, an Energy Project of National Significance which covers Bulacan, Pampanga, and Bataan, on Saturday morning. It is expected to accommodate new bulk power generation from Bataan.

“The Hermosa-San Jose 500kV project is a major component in our planned Luzon 500kV transmission backbone,” the NGCP said.

“Despite many challenges, our teams worked 24/7 to complete this facility. With the energization of the line comes the improved transmission from generation sources towards the load center Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” the power grid operator added.

The project also includes the construction of a new Hermosa 500kV substation that will enable better voltage regulation and power transfer from existing 230kV facilities in the area, according to the NGCP.

The NGCP said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gave the project its provisional approval at a cost of ₱10.2 billion, but it has only permitted a partial recovery of ₱19 million or less than 1% of the total project cost.

“Given the urgent need to widen the transmission highway along the Bataan corridor, NGCP implemented the HSJ (Hermosa-San Jose line), setting aside for later, the issue on recovery approvals from the ERC,” the NGCP said.

“Our priority has and will always be doing what is best for the public. Financial considerations can take a back seat and be threshed out later,” it added.

The NGCP said it is slated to complete other critical projects in Visayas and Mindanao in the coming months.

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