The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued its first yellow alert for the Luzon grid this year, citing insufficient operating reserves amid rising temperatures.
The alert was in effect from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Luzon’s highest heat index reached 42 degrees Celsius in Echague, Isabela and Baler, Aurora.
The NGCP recorded peak demand at 11,829 megawatts (MW), with an available capacity of 12,488 MW, leaving a narrow operating margin of 659 MW.
The situation was exacerbated by forced outages and reduced capacity from several power plants.
“Eight plants have been on forced outage since February, and four other power plants out since 2024; while 16 are running on derated capacities, for a total of 3,362.3 MW unavailable to the grid,” the NGCP said.
The Department of Energy projected Luzon’s peak demand this year to reach 14,769 MW, surpassing the 14,016 MW recorded on April 24, 2024.
Meanwhile, the NGCP said the Visayas and Mindanao grids remain in normal operation.