DOE Announces 10% Increase in Transmission Lines Under Marcos Administration
PASAY CITY— The Department of Energy (DOE) has reported a significant expansion in the nation’s transmission lines over the past two years, attributing a 10% increase to the efforts of the Marcos administration. This development is poised to enhance power stability and potentially lower electricity rates throughout the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at the 2024 Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) Discussions, the expansion not only surpasses growth rates from previous years but also marks the completion of pivotal projects aimed at unifying the country’s power grid. “This 10-percent growth in transmission lines since 2022 is a considerable increase compared to the 8-percent growth recorded from 2009 to 2022,” Lotilla explained.
During his third SONA, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the successful interconnection of the Visayas and Mindanao with Luzon, achieving a long-envisioned unified grid. This connectivity now allows for the redistribution of up to 800 megawatts of excess power from Mindanao to the Visayan islands, addressing power surpluses that have been “stranded” since 2016.
Key projects like the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), which was energized in January under President Marcos, and the Cebu-Negros-Panay backbone project that began operations in April, have been critical in facilitating this power transfer.
Lotilla credits the administration’s focus and political determination for these advancements, particularly highlighting the strategic development of transmission lines that have allowed previously unused power in regions like Bataan to be utilized across the metropolitan areas.
Looking ahead, Lotilla discussed plans to construct transmission loops to further stabilize the power supply across the Philippines, citing ongoing projects in North Luzon and potential developments for regions like Panay and Mindoro.
Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta echoed the positive impact of these developments, noting that enhanced grid connectivity will foster market competition and drive down power costs. “The operational ability to export excess power from Mindanao to Panay is already enhancing the supply stability in Visayas and Luzon, which should naturally lead to lower electricity costs,” said Dimalanta. She also warned that the ERC would monitor the market to prevent anti-competitive practices that could undermine these benefits.