DOE to NGCP, DUs: Be ready for ILP

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has directed the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and all distribution utilities (DUs) to be “fully ready” to implement the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) amid the dry season.

In an advisory signed by DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla, the DOE requested the  NGCP and DUs to submit their updates on the registered ILP participants, including concerns and requests for support for utilities new to the activation of the program.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) was also tasked to provide necessary assistance to electric cooperatives during the activation of the ILP.

The activation of the ILP is to “ensure the quality, reliability, security and affordability of the supply of electric power,” the DOE said.

Earlier, Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said  that 105  companies expressed commitment to participate in the program.

ILP is a program established by the DOE and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to alleviate energy supply deficiency until new capacity becomes available in the grid.

The DOE said the Luzon grid is expected to experience yellow alert this month and  next month as hydroelectric power plants are running below capacity due to  El Niño.

The DOE, however said, the Visayas and Mindanao grids are expected to have “normal reserve level during the second quarter of the year.”

Mario Marasigan, DOE Assistant Secretary, said that while there is a projected shortage in the Visayas, this scenario would  only occur  if power generation is solely based on the island.

He said  that connecting the grids, such as through the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) and Luzon, could alleviate  the power shortage.

The Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP) said the MVIP has improved the power supply in the Visayas and Luzon grids.

According to Marasigan, the DOE may declare a yellow alert status if power demand reaches its peak this month.