ower supply to improve later this year: NGCP

By Katlene O. Cacho

AN official of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP)-Visayas said yesterday there will be improvements in the region’s power supply later this year with several power plants starting to operate.

“We are seeing improvements in the Visayan reserves as the first unit of the Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC), which is equivalent to 72 megawatt (mw) net generation, will be synchronized in the systems and will be commissioned by September or October this year. By December, the second unit of PEDC will also be commissioned along with the third unit of the Cebu Development Corp. (CEDC) in Toledo,” said Raul Venerando Galano, NGCP Visayas operations head.

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Galano talked about the region’s power outlook during a presentation yesterday in the 19th Visayas Area Business Conference (VABC) at the City Sports Club.

“There will also be improvement of power reserves for next year as the first unit of Kepco-SPC (KSPC) power plant in Naga is under construction and will be for commercial operation in February next year. Its second unit is due for March,” Galano said.

Visayas, however, will still experience power deficiencies with low power reserves projected in July until October.

“The PEDC that will be commissioned by September bearing 72 MW would not still be enough to address the power deficiency problems but come December, with the second unit of PEDC and CEDC, we will be expecting improvements in power reserves.

We can say na makakahinga na tayo ng maluwag (we can breathe easier),” Galano said.

He said that as of yesterday, the entire Visayas had a shortage of 160 mw, which was shared by consumers not only in Cebu but throughout Negros, Panay, Leyte and Bohol.

He said the shortage was due to the high demand, which reached 1,360 mw, and the temporary shutdown of some plants last week.

He added that as of last week, Visayas experienced 67 manual load dropping or brownouts affecting 722 feeders. Cebu experienced 16 manual load droppings.

While still waiting for these plants to start operating, Galano advised the public to practice energy efficiency and conservation.