By NG Seruela
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) called on the public to use electricity efficiently to avoid power shortage this summer due to “lean supply.”
According to the NGCP, the Department of Energy (DOE) anticipates a total peak demand of 11,841 megawatts for Luzon in May 2021, while peak demand for Visayas and Mindanao occurred in January 2020. It is expected that the “thin operating margin” in the Luzon grid will last from April to August due to “multiple power plants on extended outage.”
“Technical limitations brought about by the pandemic such as delay in delivery of materials or spare parts, temporary work stoppage, and travel restrictions were stated as some of the reasons for the plants’ extended outages,” the company explained.
However, the NGCP stated in its Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NGCPph/posts/4036098313113315) that the projected shortage “may possibly not occur” if the forecasted peak demand for 2021 will not be reached as a result of the quarantine restrictions.
The agency also urges power industries to monitor the power situation in Luzon.
“We continue to urge the authorities to look into this impending power situation in Luzon during this summer season. As the transmission service provider, NGCP can only guarantee the dispatch of all and any available grid resources. It cannot intervene on matters concerning power generation.”
NGCP encourages the public to follow “simple conservation practices” such as the following:
– Unplug appliances from outlets when not in use. Appliances on standby mode still consume electricity.
– Use compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) or LED bulbs.
– Keep air conditioners at 25°C. Close doors and windows before opening the air conditioner.
– Regularly clean fan blades and air conditioner filters. Air conditioner condensers must be cleaned every six months or earlier, depending on usage.
– Defrost refrigerators when freezer ice reaches ¼ inch. Make sure refrigerator doors are tightly closed.
– Shift electricity-heavy household duties such as using the washing machine and ironing to off-peak periods (before 11:00 a.m. and after 7:00 p.m.). -jlo
Watch the PTV video report below:
