By Joann Villanueva/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) said on Wednesday that the likelihood of power outages occurring within the Luzon grid has dropped significantly after some power plants that have recently been plagued by technical issues are brought back into service.
However, data released by the DOE showed that Unit 2 of the SMC Consolidated Power Corporation (SMCCPC) in Limay, Bataan is still not working due to boiler tube leak. The estimated resumption of operation of this unit is on Thursday, April 18.
Also, Unit 2 of the Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corporation (SLPGC) in Calaca, Batangas is still down due to vibration in the primary air fan. This is estimated to go back online by April 21, 2019.
DOE also said that only one power plant has a de-rated unit as of this afternoon, the Unit 2 of the SEM-Calaca Power Corporation, which is providing only 200 megawatts (MW) instead of 300 MW due to half condenser operation.
DOE Undersecretary and Spokesperson Felix William Fuentebella earlier said that the Luzon grid will have adequate power supply until Sunday this week, as more power plants resume operations after the unplanned outages.
He, however, stressed that the risk of forced outages remain, affecting the actual power reserve situation going forward.
Meanwhile, the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) on Wednesday, assured its customer of its readiness to aid them during the Holy Week despite the “regular maintenance and upgrading to be carried out despite the holidays.”
Meralco public information office head, Joe Zaldarriaga, also reminded their customers to practice electrical safety and efficiency measures like turning-off and unplugging appliances that are not in use to “help in avoiding overheating and waster energy consumption.”
For the latest updates about this story, visit the Philippine News Agency website
