DOE pushes for speedy rehab of quake-damaged power plants

The Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing for the speedy repair of major power plants that were damaged following a swarm of earthquakes that hit Batangas province and adjacent areas to ensure adequate power supply for the Luzon grid. (Photo: Department of Energy Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA—The Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing for the speedy repair of major power plants that were damaged following a swarm of earthquakes that hit Batangas province and adjacent areas to ensure adequate power supply for the Luzon grid.

“We are continuously and closely coordinating with power industry players, especially those on the side of the generation industry, for the safe and immediate rehabilitation of the power plants affected by the earthquake last Saturday,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in a department news release.

“Our priority is the safe and quick restoration of the power supply in the Luzon grid.”

The lost power capacities due to the earthquakes reached 1,570 megawatts (MW), following the forced outages of Avion Unit 2 (50 MW), San Lorenzo Units 1 and 2 (500 MW), Ilijan B (600 MW), and San Gabriel (420 MW).

To assure additional power capacity for the Luzon grid, the DOE likewise directed the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to ensure the continued operation of the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.’s Malaya Units 1 and 2 Thermal Power Plant, which have a combined capacity of 450 MW.

In addition, the DOE reported that the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) confirmed a total of 383 Interruptible Load Program (ILP) participants, which are ready to run their generator sets with a total capacity of 212 MW once needed.

Cusi appealed to consumers to use power wisely to help stabilize energy demand, particularly during the summer season.