With the soaring temperatures, the Department of Energy (DOE) recorded the highest single-day electricity consumption this year so far on March 4, 2025, reaching nearly 12,000 megawatts in Luzon.

The following day, March 5, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed Luzon on yellow alert from 5 p.m. to 7:49 p.m. due to increased power demand and unexpected shutdowns of several power plants.

A yellow alert is issued when power reserves become low critically.

“As early as March, nakikitaan na natin ng pagtaas ng demand dahil na rin dito sa mainit na panahon,” Engr. Rodrigo Corpuz, General Manager of CENPELCO, said.

In Pangasinan, particularly in Central and Western areas, residents are already feeling the effects of rising demand.

To help conserve electricity, the Dagupan Electric Corporation (DECORP) urged consumers to use energy-efficient appliances and turn off unused electronics.

“Kailangan naka-embed na sa ating daily habit na kung may electrical appliances na hindi ginagamit, ugaliin nating i-turn off ito o i-shutdown para hindi masayang ang konsumo,” Atty. Randy Castilan, DECORP Spokesperson, said.

Some residents have also adjusted their routines to cut electricity costs.

“Instead na dalawang electric fan dahil dalawa kami ng anak ko, sa isang kwarto na lang kami, isang electric fan lang,” Emily Malapit, a consumer, said.

Authorities continue to monitor power supply levels as temperatures are expected to rise further in the coming months.