Mindanao grid gets additional 150 MW

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The power situation in Mindanao is expected to ease up with an additional 150 megawatts (MW) synchronized to its grid.

The 105 MW will come from the operation starting tomorrow of Therma South Inc. (TSI), a coal-fired energy project in Barangay Binugao, Toril.

Another 150-MW unit is scheduled for commercial operations early next year.

The operation of TSI is expected to alleviate the power problem in the region brought about by low water levels in Polangui River in Bukidnon and Lake Lanao in Marawi City, two of the main sources of hydroelectric power of the Mindanao grid. 

The additional power supply will also minimize power outages whenever the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines resorts to power curtailment.

Benjamin Cariaso Jr., TSI president and chief operating officer, said the coal plant would provide power to more than 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao, including the cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Butuan, Kidapawan, Cotabato and Tagum.

Davao, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, the Zamboanga peninsula and the Caraga region and parts of Bukidnon and Misamis will also benefit from the power plant. 

“We have informed our customers and our stakeholders that we are now officially in commercial operations and supplying Mindanao with reliable and cost-effective base load power,” Cariaso said.