Cusi questions NGCP's warning of thin power supply during dry season

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday expressed skepticism about the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ (NGCP) warning of thin power supply conditions during the dry season.

“I have already instructed our Power Bureau to look into these matters,” Cusi said in a statement.

The Energy chief, however, hit the grid operator for issuing such a warning when it should be ensuring adequate supply during the dry season.

On Tuesday, the NGCP warned of thin operating margins from April to June, which includes the critical election period, due to an expected increase in demand. 

“So, what is NGCP doing about it?” Cusi asked.

“Increased demand for power during our hotter months, and reduced supply during these same dry months is an annual occurrence, and as system operator and grid operator, the NGCP is very much aware of this  cycle,” he added.

The Energy chief said the DOE is “spearheading efforts to bring the power industry together to work toward a wholistic solution.”

“The NGCP is expected to perform their responsibilities that contribute to the adequacy of supply, and more so this year as we will be holding national elections this summer,” Cusi said.

The Energy chief said the DOE is interested to hear to hear from the grid operator about the steps they have taken, or are taking, to address the situation, particularly in preventing the occurrence of a power interruption.  

To alleviate possible power shortages, the NGCP has appealed to policymakers to immediately explore demand side management strategies to mitigate any possible power supply issues in the coming months, especially around the time of the presidential election in May. 

Before issuing the warning, Cusi raised concerns whether the NGCP has ensured the following:

• That all capacities at all power stations are available
• That all available capacities are connected
• That all congestion issues are addressed
• That the Grid Operating Maintenance Program (GOMP) was thoroughly planned
• Those reserves are contracted from a separate pool of capacity for ancillary services which can be tapped in cases of emergency.

— VBL, GMA News