Power outages expected as Luzon grid under red alert

MANILA – The Department of Energy (DOE) said the Luzon grid is currently experiencing limited power reserves that made the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) raise the red alert.

In a press conference, Electric Power Industry Management Bureau director Mario Marasigan said power interruption is expected Monday afternoon, which includes some areas served by Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., power outages were expected in Isabela, Quirino, Olongapo, Quezon, and Camarines Sur, he said.

Marasigan reported that available power reserve is only at 11,729 megawatts, but this day’s peak demand is at 11,514 MW.

The DOE official attributed the increasing power requirement to the higher heat index.

For every 1 degree Celsius increase in heat index, there is an increase of 100 MW of power demand, he added.