Power outages hit key cities in Mindanao anew

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A large part of Mindanao is again experiencing blackouts as a result of the power curtailment imposed by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines due to shortages in the island’s hydropower capacity. 

Key cities such as General Santos, Butuan, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro and Iligan have been affected by almost eight hours of power outages a day. 

At present, Mindanao has a power shortfall of 294 megawatts, as the demand stands at 1,157 MW versus the actual supply of only 863 MW. 

But Mindanao Development Authority chairperson Lualhati Antonino allayed fears of any power crisis, saying the government has earmarked P3.8 billion for the country’s power capabilities. 

The budget, according to Antonino, includes allocation for the rehabilitation of existing hydroelectric power plants in the south. 

“The Aquino administration has set aside P1.67 billion for the repair and rehabilitation of the country’s hydropower plants,” she said. Hydropower plants are supposed to have a maximum lifespan of only 30 years, she said, but the island’s hydropower plants are more than 30 years old. 

She said the government wants to restore the hydropower plants to their original, more efficient state after the repair and rehabilitation work. 

Antonino said the government has allotted another P2.2 billion for the repair of Mindanao’s water dikes. She said there is a need to control the flow of water from the dikes being used in hydropower plants to avoid downstream flooding.

She said it is not only General Santos City that is experiencing up to six hours of power outages but also other areas in Mindanao.

The government is looking at the possibility of using a 300-MW interruptible power load plan to solve the island’s power problems.

Companies with their own generator sets are also encouraged to share their power and the rates will be discussed with the Energy Regulatory Commission in two weeks’ time, Antonino said.