Mindanao power firm on 24/7 alert for polls

MANILA, Philippines - A Mindanao-based independent power producer has put all three of its operating power facilities on the island on full alert and ready to respond to any power-related requirements of the Mindanao grid starting 12 a.m. of Sunday until 12 a.m. of May 14.

Edgar Sevilles, vice president for operations of the Alsons Power Group, the Alcantara Group’s power project development and power generation management business unit, said the company has directed the plant managers of the revamped Mapalad Power Corp. plant in Iligan City that began re-operating on a ramp-up basis last April 19, the 55-megawatt (MW) Southern Philippines Power Corp. plant in Alabel, Sarangani, and the 100-MW Western Mindanao Power Corp. plant in Zamboanga City to ensure that their facilities are able to provide a steady and uninterrupted power supply to the Mindanao grid within this period.

Sevilles also said the company has cancelled all leaves for plant personnel while all employees on essential operations have been directed to be on duty during this time. 

He added the company is initiating procedures to make certain that its power-generating facilities have adequate fuel supply and all engines are placed on “hot” mode and ready to help address any requirements of the Mindanao grid related to power supply within the coverage of the three power plants.