Shutdown of diesel, thermal plant units to reduce power by 30MW

CEBU, Philippines - The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said yesterday the Visayas grids are expected to lose another 30 megawatts of power following the shutdown of two units of the Cebu Diesel Plant and one unit of Cebu Thermal Plant, both of Salcon Power Corporation.

The emergency shutdown of the two units of the Cebu Diesel Plants has cut around 10 megawatts from the Visayas grid’s available capacity.

In a text message to The FREEMAN, Ethel Natera of the Visayan Electric Company said the interruptions did not affect the franchise areas of VECO.

“No interruptions in the VECO franchise area even with the power supply shortage declared by NGCP,” the message reads.

The shutdowns came as the Freedom from Debt Coalition - Cebu announced around 50 of its members will hold at picket at the Energy Regulatory Commission - Visayas Office at 10am today.

The picket coincides with the congressional hearing on the power crisis, which will be held in Davao City at around the same time today. Similar protest actions led by FDC will also be held at the Department of Energy national office in Quezon City.

NGCP added that they will continue to monitor power grid conditions. As system operator, NGCP operates the power system or grid in accordance with the Philippine Grid Code.

NGCP is also the country’s only utility responsible for transmitting high-voltage power from generators to distributors. It does not own nor operate and maintain any power generation and distribution facilities. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)