Grid operator NGCP is gearing up for the upcoming summer season as the demand for power is expected to hit an all-time high this year.
In 2018, the actual peak demand recorded for Luzon reached a high of 10,876 MegaWatts (MW) last May 28. For 2019, the Department of Energy’s Power Development Plan forecasts the demand to reach 11,403MW, a 4.85% increase from last year.
“The demand for power has been increasing year-on-year. With DOE’s forecast breaching 11,000MW, NGCP’s System Operations is working round-the-clock to ensure the sufficient supply of power during the critical summer months. Constant coordination is also being done with power generating plants to make sure that maintenance shutdowns will not coincide with the peak periods within the summer,” said NGCP.
Peak power periods in Luzon are expected within the months of April and May, with the rising temperatures prompting a spike in demand.
Visayas and Mindanao have also reached new highs in terms of peak demand in 2018. The Visayas grid peaked at 2,053MW in May 24, while the Mindanao grid reached 1,853MW in December 13. For 2019, the DOE projects an 11.98% increase in the Visayas load growth with forecasted peak at 2,299MW, while demand in Mindanao is estimated at 2,130MW, both expected by the last quarter of 2019.
With the rising demand for power, NGCP advises the public to use energy more efficiently, especially in the months of summer when power supply is lean.
“We all can positively contribute to energy efficiency, even at the individual or household level. The simple practices we do to save electricity consumption will go a long way. Cleaning the fan blades of our electric fans, aircon filters, and dust in lightbulbs will help our appliances function more efficiently. Unplugging appliances when not in use and scheduling the use of electricity- heavy appliances, such as irons and washing machines, to off-peak periods (before 11AM and after 7PM) will help a lot in saving electricity consumption, ensuring better power flow within the grid,” stated NGCP.
At the same time, NGCP assures its stakeholders that it is continuously developing the power grid to accommodate additional loads from power generators and enable better transmission of power across the country.
“We are expediting the completion of projects aimed to accommodate this increase in demand. NGCP appeals for the support and cooperation of local government units and the public as we
hope to complete these projects at the soonest possible time to prevent any negative impact on power supply during the dry season ahead,” the company added.
NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders Henry Sy, Jr. and Robert Coyiuto, Jr.
