Lawmakers grill NGCP over project delays, ERC plans higher fines

Lawmakers criticized the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for delays in transmission projects during a House Committee on Legislative Franchises Hearing on Tuesday.

Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin reported that 97 completed and 46 ongoing projects have been delayed, with some original target dates moved multiple times.

Projects such as the Northern Luzon Loop and Batangas-Mindoro Interconnection were highlighted for significant delays, raising concerns about NGCP's ability to meet deadlines.

House Deputy Speaker David Suarez questioned why completion dates keep changing and called for accountability from NGCP.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) announced plans to impose higher fines on NGCP for the delay of 34 transmission projects, currently imposing P15.8 million in penalties.

The House panel also approved a motion to subpoena NGCP's shareholder agreement to determine foreign influence over management and operations.

NGCP President Anthony Almeda is set to attend another hearing to address these concerns.