ERC OKs P11.9 billion NGCP line in Siargao

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January 22, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has approved the construction of an P11.86-billion grid project designed to ensure reliable power delivery on Siargao Island.

In a recent order, the ERC authorized the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to implement its proposed Claver-Siargao Interconnection Project (CSIP).

The project involves the development of a new 69-kilovolt (kV) interconnection facility from the Cagdianao NGCP line in Dinagat Islands to Siargao.

This includes a 42-kilometer submarine cable that will link the switching stations in Claver, Surigao del Norte and Dapa, Siargao Island.

Currently, Siargao Island is integrated into the grid via a 34.5-kV submarine cable owned by Siargao Electric Cooperative Inc. (Siarelco), the island’s power distributor. The cable is connected to the NGCP’s Cagdianao NGCP 69-kV substation.

Amid the island’s rising demand, Siarelco formally requested the NGCP, ERC and the Department of Energy to extend the power line to Dapa through a submarine cable.

In its application, the NGCP said the CSIP seeks to expand transmission capacity in the area to support growing load demand and provide a higher voltage interconnection facility to the island.

Based on simulations conducted by the ERC, the expected energy not served is estimated at about 715 million kilowatt-hours over a 15-year period if the proposed project is not implemented.

In monetary terms, sourcing this unserved energy demand from alternative sources over the same period is projected to cost about P12.57 billion.

Meanwhile, consumer group Ilaw Pilipinas called for immediate action for power stability in Siargao following a multi-day blackout last month.

“These incidents of power interruption have exposed the weaknesses in Siargao’s power system,” Ilaw Pilipinas national convenor Beng Garcia said. “Every blackout costs a hefty price for Siargao’s local economy. The island needs real, long-term energy security.”