Visayas power remains under ‘yellow alert’

CEBU, Philippines —  The Visayas power grid remained under an extended Yellow Alert from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026, as system reserves continued to thin due to rising demand and multiple generation constraints.

This is according to the latest update from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

As of 6:30 p.m. last night, available capacity stood at 2,650 megawatts (MW), while peak demand reached 2,501 MW, leaving a limited operating margin for contingency requirements.

NGCP, in a statement, said the extension of the alert was driven primarily by a significant increase in demand during the evening peak period.

According to NGCP, a total of 12 power plants have been on forced outage since May 2026, with one unit out since March 2026, three since 2025, two since 2024, two since 2023, and one since 2021.

In addition, it said 18 generating units are currently operating at derated capacities. Altogether, these constraints account for approximately 889.2 MW of unavailable supply to the grid.

NGCP said the Yellow Alert status reflects insufficient operating reserves to meet the required contingency margin, although it does not automatically result in power interruptions.

The Department of Energy (DOE) earlier noted that the tight supply situation has been aggravated by increased demand and multiple unplanned outages, even as several previously affected power plants have returned online in recent days.

Engr. Nico Arancillo, Engineering Technical Support of Visayan Electric (VECO), discussed ongoing grid management strategies during the Kapihan sa PIA-7 forum held recently, including the Interruptible Load Program (ILP), wherein large consumers temporarily disconnect and switch to backup generators during shortages, and Manual Load Dropping (MLD).

He explained that this process may result in rotational brownouts in affected areas. However, interruptions are carefully managed to minimize disruption, often limited to about one hour per area when possible, depending on system conditions.

He said the primary goal is to protect grid stability and prevent widespread or prolonged outages by carefully managing available supply during periods of tight reserves. He added that critical facilities such as hospitals and water pumping stations are prioritized to minimize disruption.

The public, then, is strongly encouraged to practice energy conservation, especially during peak hours in the evening when residential demand is highest due to the use of appliances such as air conditioners and electric fans.

The DOE likewise assured the public that it continues to coordinate with NGCP and power generators to maintain grid stability and prevent more severe outages in the Visayas region.

Decline of water supply

Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) confirmed a reduction in water production from its Jaclupan facility in Talisay City, which has dropped from 25,000 cubic meters per day to around 21,000 cubic meters per day.

The decline is said to have affected water availability in parts of southern Metro Cebu, including several barangays in Cebu City.

MCWD General Manager Atty. John DX Lapid said during the Kapihan sa PIA-7 forum held recently that while water service continues, some areas may no longer experience a 24-hour supply and may instead receive water during off-peak hours, particularly at night or early in the morning.

He clarified that northern service areas remain stable, supported by surface water sources.

Lapid stressed that the situation is not yet linked to El Niño but is part of the normal dry season, although preparations are underway in anticipation of its possible occurrence later in 2026 and into early 2027.

He added that MCWD is closely monitoring supply conditions and may implement contingency measures, including rationing or reliance on desalinated water, if conditions worsen.

He also noted that MCWD’s diversified water sources, including river systems in Lusaran and Compostela, mountain barangay sources, and desalination facilities in Mactan and southern Cebu, are being optimized to manage distribution across the franchise area.

Lapid, however, clarified that while parts of Metro Cebu are experiencing reduced water availability due to the ongoing dry season, there is currently no “zero water” situation in any service area.

He explained that below-normal rainfall has affected some water sources, particularly in the southern portion of Metro Cebu. This has resulted in reduced water pressure and limited hours of supply in some barangays, especially during daytime peak demand.

However, he stressed that water is still being delivered to affected areas, with availability typically improving during off-peak hours such as nighttime or early morning when consumption is lower.

Lapid clarified that the situation should not be classified as a full water shortage, but rather as a reduction in supply or limited availability due to seasonal conditions.

MCWD, however, reiterated that it is working within its capacity to maintain service despite reduced inflows, emphasizing that public cooperation in water conservation remains essential during the ongoing dry season. — (FREEMAN)