Gatchalian to energy sector: Ensure ample power supply

By Javier Joe Ismael April 14, 2021
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/04/14/news/national/gatchalian-to-energy-sector-ensure-ample-power-supply/863735/

SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday called on the energy sector to ensure uninterrupted power supply as the government continues to urge the public to stay at home.

Gatchalian made the call following reports on a series of forced power outages in the Luzon grid.

He cited data provided by the Department of Energy (DoE) that for the billing period February 26 to March 25, there were 15 unplanned outages due to excessive oil leaks, high turbine vibration and other technical problems. There were also seven planned outages during the period.

The senator said electricity demand is usually higher during the summer months and as such, the reserve margin is thinner.

He emphasized that the country cannot afford to have brownouts during this time when vaccines need to be stored in specific cold conditions or refrigerated to maintain their efficacy.

The chairman of the Senate energy committee also urged power generation companies to defer to a later date any planned maintenance shutdowns if possible.

“These days, we could ill afford any power interruption as most workers, even government employees, are on a work-from-home scheme, some on distance learning and online business transactions,” he said.

“Hindi dapat natin maranasan ngayon ang kahit ilang minuto lang na brownout dahil kailangang masiguro natin ang kapakanan ng publiko habang patuloy tayong lumalaban sa pandemya (We should not experience even a few minutes of brownouts because we need to ensure the welfare of the public while we continue to fight the pandemic),” he added.