San Roque dam hits critical level; power production cut

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines — The San Roque Power Corp. (SRPC) in San Manuel, Pangasinan suspended its power generation yesterday due to insufficient water level in the dam.

Tom Valdez, SRPC vice president for corporate affairs, said the dam’s water level dropped to 225.5 meters, way below its normal mark of 280 meters.

Valdez said the turbines would be affected if they continue power generation.

“It is alarming because there is no rain and if it continues, our dam will be drained,” he said. “If it reaches 227 meters, we can resume operations.”

Valdez said they coordinated with the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., National Power Corp. and Strategic Power Development Corp. for them to alert other plants that could provide the needed power supply to affected areas.