DOE-7 sees decrease in power consumption

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE)-Visayas Field Office has noted a decrease in power consumption, attributed to halted or reduced operations of industrial and commercial establishments in the Visayas, particularly malls.

In a statement, DOE-7 said that based on the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ Daily Load Profile, the Visayas grid peak demand of 2186 megawatts (MW) last January 29 went down to 1728 MW last 28 March.

“It was also observed that said week’s average weekday demand of 1772MW is lower than the recorded 1870MW average demand for the same period in 2019, while projected average demand for the same period is 2015MW,” read the statement.

The DOE anticipates further reductions in power demand levels with the continued implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

It added that the daily power situation, as well as the status of all power plants in the region, will be closely monitored to ensure the continuous and stable supply of electricity.

The DOE is also coordinating with concerned national agencies and local government units on the unimpeded delivery of energy services, especially the movement of essential staff and supplies throughout the localized ECQ areas.

Continued Supply

Meanwhile, the Global Business Power Corporation (GBP) has assured uninterrupted power supply in Cebu as it placed its power plants in lockdown to support the region and the rest of the country in dealing with the COVID-19.

GBP, through subsidiaries Cebu Energy Development Corporation and Toledo Power Co., is a major supplier of electricity in the Cebu province, with a total combined capacity of 428 MW.

“As COVID-19 threatens further transmission, we declared a precautionary lockdown for all power plants in Toledo City effective March 23 to April 22, 2020, prior to the issuance of the enhanced community quarantine ordinance by the local government,” said GBP Cebu Site Operations Head Leah G. Diaz, in a press statement.

“Our Business Continuity Plan is in place to ensure that operations continue and that our people are protected in this time of health emergency.  We are taking all possible steps to safeguard the well-being and health of our employees. They are making a big sacrifice being away from their families to ensure that the whole province will have a stable supply of power during this time of crisis,” said GBP President Jaime Azurin in the same statement.

About 296 personnel remain inside the plant – 252 employees, 32 contractors, and 12 NGCP staff, plus other outside support personnel.

Diaz said that those staying in the plant are involved in operations and maintenance, health and safety, commercial and other support groups and will remain inside until April 22.

Diaz said that the company is providing them with accommodations and complete meals – breakfast, lunch and dinner, including Vitamin C tablets while inside the plant premises.

Personnel who need to enter the plant premises, for example, drivers of exempted deliveries, are strictly required to observe its Enhanced Safety and Health Protocol.

Meanwhile, work-from-home or other alternative working arrangements were implemented for office and support personnel.  Their health status is also being monitored on a daily basis.  GAN (FREEMAN)