‘Mindanao blackouts due to generation deficiency’

MANILA, Philippines - The recurring blackouts in some parts of Mindanao are due to generation deficiency, according to the energy department.

“The distribution utilities that have shortfall in contracts continue to experience blackouts,” Energy Secretary Zenaida Monsada said in a statement issued on Thursday.

Monsada said the bombing of two transmission towers of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in Marawi City reduced available supply from Agus 1 and 2 hydropower plants by up to 90 megawatts.

 “This was apart from concerns on…vegetation along the right of way of transmission lines,” he said in a statement forwarded to Malacañang.??

Monsada said the Office of the Executive Secretary coordinated with the Department of National Defense and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to secure clearing operations in the affected areas.

The NGCP said power supply in Mindanao had improved with the grid’s system capacity at 1,445 megawatts as of Nov. 4 from 1,357 on Oct. 30.

“To hasten the restoration of transmission services to affected areas, NGCP will attempt to energize its Baloi-Agus 2 line, which was earlier disabled because of uncooperative landowners who are preventing NGCP from conducting much needed vegetation clearing activities,” the NGCP said.

Meanwhile, Interior Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento urged the National Power Corp. to intensify its electrification program in remote areas of the country.

Sarmiento said local government units should also open its doors to renewable energy investments and host energy projects not only to provide for its power needs but also fund its development projects.

–  With Cecille Suerte Felipe