Cebu’s Solar Power Integration Advances: The National Grid Corporation Of The Philippines Confirms Link To National Grid

The forthcoming 150-megawatt solar power facility in Daanbantayan town, northern Cebu, will soon be linked to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP)’s grid, as confirmed during a meeting between Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and NGCP officials.

Subsequent to this meeting, the Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) initiated the ‘Cebu Electricity Consumer Rights Campaign’ to enable consumer involvement in determining electricity quality and costs.

CERA aims for consumers to have equitable access to dependable, cost-effective electricity in Cebu and ensure that their concerns are addressed by the relevant authorities. They consider Visayan Electric (VECO), Cebu Electric Cooperative (CEBECO), and Mactan Cebu Electric Cooperative (MECO) accountable for delivering dependable and reasonably priced electricity.

Additionally, CERA calls for accountability from NGCP, Power Sector Liabilities and Management Corp., Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy to guarantee dependable and affordable power.

MECO’s current rate is P9.2087 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), CEBECO charges P12.25 per kWh, and VECO bills P11.25 per kWh.

CERA advocates for electric cooperatives and distribution utilities to prioritize reliable, technologically advanced generating facilities to meet consumer needs, particularly in crucial economic centers like Metro Cebu.

Recognizing the demand for power surpassing supply, additional sources such as the Daanbantayan solar power plant are essential. NGCP has assured facilitation of power transmission from this plant in collaboration with the Cebu Provincial Government and private consortium Acciona Energía Global and Freya Renewables Inc., which recently secured a 25-year concession for the plant’s development.

NGCP, responsible for operating and maintaining the national power grid, has conducted a ‘System Impact Study’ (SIS) for the Consortium, with NGCP’s substation located a mere kilometer away from the solar plant site. Collaboration between NGCP and the Consortium aims to expedite project completion for the benefit of businesses and consumers alike.