Stable power supply in Luzon grid during polls – DOE

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – There will be adequate power supply in the Luzon grid during the elections, the Department of Energy (DOE) has assured the public. 

Power reserves in Luzon, including Metro Manila, are expected to reach 1,300 megawatts (MW) next month after maintenance work at the Magat hydro power plant is completed next week, Efren Balaoing, DOE director for Luzon field office, said yesterday. 

“We have enough power supply in the Luzon grid on election day and after…even during summer,” Balaoing said. 

He said the Luzon grid was placed on yellow alert on Monday after several power plants requested for temporary shutdown to pave the way for annual maintenance work.  

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) also gave assurance that contingency measures are in place in case of emergencies. 

Lilibeth Gaydowen, NGCP- North Luzon corporate communications officer, said they have not received reports on threats of bombing of power transmission towers.

“Our security groups are on heightened alert for the elections in coordination with the police and military,” Gaydowen said. 

She added that maintenance work, including the replacement of wooden posts with steel towers, had been completed.