Long dry spell threatens power supply in South

DAVAO CITY — The National Transmission Corp. warned that the continued dry spell is threatening the power supply of Mindanao which relies heavily — about 60 percent — on hydroelectric energy.

Bambi Capulong, Transco’s Southeastern Mindanao information chief, placed Mindanao’s existing power demand at about 700 megawatts vis-a-vis Transco’s capacity to supply at least 1,000 MW.

"But the problem now is that the demand appears to exceed supply as the main rivers that have been sources of hydroelectric power are drying up because there have been no rains for the past months," Capulong said.

The Polangui River and the tributaries of the Agus River are Mindanao’s main sources of hydroelectric power.

Capulong said Mindanao’s power demand reaches its peak during the summer months — from April to June — as well as December.

Davao City, considered to be the leading growth center in this part of the country, accounts for 37 percent of the total power demand in Mindanao.

The city, however, is assured of adequate power supply even during long dry spells since the Davao Light and Power Company of Aboitiz Equity Ventures runs a standby power plant, the only one in the country.

Earl Ferrer, Transco’s Southeastern Mindanao administrative officer, said efforts are underway to ease the problem of power supply by rehabilitating existing power plants across the island.