NGCP power outlook shows supply adequate for election day

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) on Monday indicated the power supply situation is adequate for the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids.

Citing data from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), the NGCP noted the system capacity for Luzon is around 10,860 megawatts (MW), 1,864 MW for the Visayas, and 1,598 MW for Mindanao as of May 9.

"In terms of grid facilities, everything is normal as of today. The forecasted demand for the day is a little bit lower than what was expected that's why we have more than sufficient supply," Sonny Dimaliwat, Deputy Assistant Chief Technical Officer at the NGCP, told reporters in Quezon City.

Peak demands were projected at 6,962 MW for Luzon, 1,462 MW for the Visayas, and 1,111 MW for Mindanao.

As a result of the peak demand forecasts, the NGCP's system outlook placed the power reserves for Luzon at 3,953 MW, 752 MW for the Visayas, and 513 MW for Mindanao.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada noted at the same briefing the low demand for power on Tuesday allowed the reserves in Luzon reach 4,000 MW earlier in the day.

"For some hours, our reserves for Luzon got as high as 4,000 MW for today, so sana tuloy-tuloy," she said.

However, Monsada emphasized that demand for electricity would pickup on Tuesday, as the country returns to business as usual from the election holiday.

"The requirement is higher for tomorrow, but we still have more than sufficient supply and reserve," the Energy chief said.

Earlier, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. noted the supply situation will remain adequate throughout May 9.

Monsada also the Department of Energy-led Power Task Force Election (PTFE) has been on heightened alert to ensure that the power supply meets demand.

"Everybody will have a close watch. We have a command center... All of us will be monitoring developments. As it is, normal and power supply today. Hopefulfy, normal naman tayo tomorrow," she said.

Aside from the DOE and NGCP, also part of the task force are the National Electrification Administration, National Power Corp., and power distributor Manila Electric Company. – With Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News