Forced outages may cause power hikes in July

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MANILA — Following the frequent forced power outages made by power plants, electricity rate may go up in July, according to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).

Meralco spokesperson Joel Zaldarriaga said unlike on summer months, the Luzon grid was on yellow alert several times in June.

“The grid (in June) was often on yellow alert because of low supply,” he said.

This may trigger a possible increase in electricity rates, though Zaldarriaga added that it is still too early to disclose the amount of increase.

On a yellow alert, the power reserves has fallen below the minimum level.

The Luzon grid’s minimum level is at 647 MW or the size of its biggest power plant, the Sual plant in Pangasinan.

Following several forced outages made by power plants in June, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines has placed the Luzon grid on yellow alert five times last month.