Angat’s hydropower plant to be closed for repairs

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) has assured residents in Greater Manila Area of continued raw water supply even as the Angat’s hydropower plant undergoes a two-month shutdown.

The MWSS said the Angat Hydropower Corp., which operates the Angat Hydro-Electric Powerplant, will undertake repairs of its existing penstock as part of the modernization of the AHEPP.

The AHEPP will be closed for 61 days beginning Nov. 6 until Jan. 6, 2024.

“The primary objective of the undertaking is to prolong the lifespan of the plant to ensure a stable water supply for domestic use and irrigation,” the agency said.

The MWSS said it spearheaded the creation of comprehensive guidelines on the operation of the Angat Dam spillway and low-level outlet to ensure water supply during the plant’s shutdown.

These guidelines have been agreed upon by members of the Interagency Technical Working Group on Angat Dam operations and management, including the National Water Resources Board, National Power Corp., National Irrigation Administration, MWSS as well as other key stakeholders such as the Maynilad Water Services Inc., Manila Water Company Inc. and Angat Hydroelectric Corp.

With the guidelines in place, the MWSS assured the public of continuous supply of raw water in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal throughout the hydropower plant’s closure.