Erratic data force DOE to revise power outlook

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is revising its supply-demand forecast amid the coronavirus disease scare and the onset of hotter temperature.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the current demand data they are seeing now is erratic.

Monitoring by the agency’s power bureau showed lower demand last month due to the cancellation of some big events owing to the virus scare.

However, since last week the bureau has seen an increase in power demand with more people staying at home and offices still open, the DOE official said.

“We haven’t established the impact of the COVID 19 yet since the data is erratic. We will be monitoring it closely,” Fuentebella said.

On Monday, the Philippines recorded 14 new cases of the new coronavirus infections scattered across Metro Manila, bringing the total number to 24.

As he declared a state of public health emergency across the country, President Duterte suspended classes in all levels in the National Capital Region from March 10 until March 14, Saturday.

The total number of infected increased to 35 yesterday as some private companies implemented work-from-home operations for employees.

Meanwhile, the DOE has yet to factor in the warmer weather.

Last month, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the country is expected to experience cold weather until the end of March.

But last Sunday, the state weather bureau said Metro Manila recorded the hottest day so far this year at 35 degrees.

Meanwhile, PAGASA said the country should expect warmer weather from noontime until the afternoon due to the warm wind blowing from the Pacific Ocean.

For its part, the DOE will continue with the necessary preparations – which started in November – for the dry season.

Based on latest data from the agency, this year’s peak demand is at 12,285 megawatts (MW) for Luzon; 2,519 MW for Visayas and 2,278 MW for Mindanao.

DOE officials said red alert warnings or tight power supply situations are possible in April and May.

But if action plans are implemented in the power sector, the red alert notices may be averted during those months.

DOE data showed the ILP capacity in Luzon is 564 MW, 64 MW in Visayas and 58 MW in Mindanao.

The agency also continues to encourage consumers to actively practice energy efficiency and conservation measures to help curb demand.

Energy conservation efforts can save the grid 141 MW in capacity while energy efficiency measures can take off 217 MW of load in the grid.