DOE Warns of Potential Red Alert on Luzon Grid Amid High Demand and Insufficient Supply

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a warning about a possible red alert on the Luzon grid this week amid high demand, with the power supply proving insufficient. This situation arises as several power plants face forced outages and are operating at reduced capacities.

DOE Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara stated, "a red alert on the grid is possible this week" as multiple power plants are currently offline or operating below their full capacity. This has resulted in rotational power interruptions in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Luzon grid on yellow alert from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to midnight yesterday. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid's contingency requirement, while a red alert indicates that the power supply cannot meet consumer demand and the grid's regulating requirement.

Several factors have contributed to the yellow alert, including the unavailability of the Angat Main, forced outages of multiple plants, and an increase in forecast demand by 600 megawatts (MW). Currently, a total of 2,280.8 MW is unavailable to the grid as a result of these issues.

Why this matters: The potential red alert on the Luzon grid highlights the urgent need for increased power supply to meet the high demand, which has broader implications for the country's economy and daily life. If not addressed, it could lead to frequent power outages, disrupting businesses and daily activities, and potentially affecting the overall economic growth.

In response to the situation, DOE Undersecretary Guevara mentioned, "We're talking to power plant (operators) and asking them to come online. As you can observe, they eventually return to operations." Additionally, Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco's spokesman, urged the public to practice alternative energy efficiency to help manage demand.

The DOE expects the frequency of yellow and red alerts to decrease in the coming weeks as consumer demand is anticipated to be lower with the onset of the rainy season. Meanwhile, Meralco has called on participants in the interruptible load program to be ready for possible de-loading if the situation worsens.

The DOE has maintained its stance on implementing the coal moratorium, which took effect on October 27, 2020, to reduce coal dependence and promote renewable energy. The moratorium has halted the development of new coal power projects, while allowing remaining projects to continue if they meet certain criteria.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has stated that the recent power shortage has minimal impact on the economy. NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan remarked, "The yellow and red alert, they are still not so disruptive, and so the impact on the economy is probably not that large at this time."

The Center for Energy Ecology and Development (CEED) has opposed lifting the coal moratorium, citing the unreliability of coal plants and the need for renewable energy. CEED Executive Director Gerry Arances emphasized, *"We just went through record-breaking heat levels resulting from an El Niño exacerbated by global warming. Propositions and moves by financiers and politicians to backtrack coal policies ignore the reality of the climate emergency. "*

The DOE's warning of a possible red alert on the Luzon grid highlights the urgent need for increased power supply to meet the high demand. Situation developments prompt authorities and power providers to work towards stabilizing the grid and ensuring a reliable power supply for consumers.

Key Takeaways

• DOE warns of possible red alert on Luzon grid due to high demand and insufficient power supply.
• Several power plants are offline or operating at reduced capacity, causing rotational power interruptions.
• Yellow alert issued from 1pm-5pm and 6pm-midnight due to insufficient operating margin.
• 2,280.8 MW of power is currently unavailable, with 600 MW increase in forecast demand.
• Authorities urge energy efficiency and alternative sources to manage demand and prevent frequent outages.