Veco preps up for high summer demand

CEBU, Philippines - While the demand for power in Cebu is reported to be slower due to the cold weather, the Visayan Electric Company (Veco) is prepping up for the summer season's anticipated high requirement. 

Veco corporate communications manager Theresa Gonzales told reporters that the peak demand at present is at 375 megawatts from the usual 430 megawatts recorded during hot temperatures.

"There is no problem when the weather is cold, but it is unusually cold nowadays," said Gonzales.

She added that people opt not to turn on their electric fans and air- conditioning units this time around since they are more than satisfied with the naturally cold breeze felt these days.

Gonzales, however, said that the electric utility expects upsurge of demand for power come summer which is considered to be one of the peak seasons every year.

"Mamawi man ni igka-summer so we are bracing ourselves for the higher demand," she said.

Gonzales shared that by the middle of February, Veco will start educating the public about energy conservation so they would come more prepared and informed the months after.

She added that they will begin to conduct the information drive among schools, particularly among the students in the elementary level.

Veco has been encouraging the public to practice effective power-saving tips that could help them reduce their electricity bills and conserve energy.

The most common advice that Veco reminds its consumers is on the unplugging of what is not needed.

The power distribution utility of the Aboitiz Group of Companies is considered to be the country's second largest power distribution utility. It serves the cities of Cebu, Mandaue, Talisay and Naga, and the municipalities of Lilo-an, Consolacion, Minglanilla and San Fernando in Cebu.

Veco has 18 substations and one mobile substation in its overall franchise area in Cebu province.

Last Tuesday, Veco officially inaugurated the Ermita substation which is now renamed Don Gil Garcia (DGG) Switch-yard and substation in commemoration of Don Gil Garcia who was Veco's president for nearly 50 years.

The DGG switch-yard and substation near the Carbon Public Market will be the hub for Veco's 69-kv line. It houses four bays that can accommodate eight power sources. —/JMD (FREEMAN)