Generation firms operating 25 power plants on forced outage and eight others with derated capacities in the Visayas and Mindanao have been directed by the Department of Energy (DOE) to restore their facilities immediately. This order aims to stabilize power supply in both major island groups, which have been under yellow alert status due to low power supply margins.
The Visayas grid experienced yellow alert from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m., marking the third time this month such a status has been issued. According to the DOE, there are 14 generation facilities in the Visayas on forced outage and five others on derated capacities. In Mindanao, 11 power plants are on forced outage, with three others also experiencing derated capacities.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has tasked Undersecretary Mario Marasigan to lead the effort and collaborate closely with affected generation companies to establish clear and realistic timelines for the full return to service of these plants. “We expect full cooperation and accountability. Delays are no longer acceptable at this point,” she stated.
The DOE has also called on private distribution utilities (DUs) to prepare for the possible activation of the Interruptible Load Program, which allows DUs to ask customers with generation capacities to temporarily rely on their own power sources to alleviate pressure on the grid.
Additionally, the DOE urges the public, as well as industrial and commercial establishments, to help regulate energy usage during peak hours. “By working together and making small adjustments in our energy use, we can stay productive while helping protect the integrity of our power system,” Garin added.
