Iloilo has enough electricity supply during Christmas

ILOILO CITY, Philippines – Electricity consumers need not worry about brownouts this Christmas season, according to the Panay Electric Company, Inc (PECO).

Contrary to common belief that demand for power shoots up during Christmas, Engr. Randy Pastolero, PECO operations manager, said electricity consumption actually drops during this season because of the relatively cold weather.

“It is a common misconception. The load during Christmas is decreasing because of the cold temperature,” said Pastolero.

He explained that, based on PECO experience, the highest demand for electricity happens during summer when peak demand would reach as high as 86 megawatts. During this time, people use their air conditioning units, electric fans and other electric appliances to ease the heat.

“While there is massive use for Christmas lights, it is compensated by the temperature drop so there is a decrease in electricity use,” Pastolero said.

PECO currently serves about 52 percent of the whole power demand in Panay Island grid and remains to be the only private electricity distributor in the island.

Meanwhile, Pastolero said they are now seriously considering to have renewable energy component, and that they are now talking to possible investors who may be interested in putting up solar power plant in Iloilo.

“If we have a solar power plant, we could promote tourism. It is being studied by the management now,” he added.  (FREEMAN)