Electricity consumers in the Visayas can temporarily heave a sigh of relief with power system operator predicting a ‘no-brownout scenario’ in the area following improvement in the grid’s supply situation.

In a report update sent by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), it was indicated that there would be no generation deficiency in the Visayas on Monday (February 22), and that a very thin reserve of 5.0 megawatts will help sustain the grid. “Visayas grid’s status slightly improved today with reserves of 5 MW. No grid customers are expected to experience power interruptions, provided all power plants will continue to be running and connected to the grid,” NGCP said.

It emphasized that the increase in the available capacity could be attributed to the additional power generated from Mahanagdong Unit 1 geothermal plant, augmenting supply by 160 MW and Cebu thermal power plant bringing in capacity addition of 105 MW.

The system operator noted that both plants have been synchronized back into the grid after undergoing preventive maintenance shutdown.

While Visayas is moving to an improved state on its power supply, Mindanao remains problematic with generation deficiency forecast hovering at 183 MW Monday.

“Most hydro-electric power plant units are still running with very limited capabilities due to the low water levels at reservoirs,” NGCP said.

The available capacities for each of the Agus generating units have been rated as follows: Agus 1 (25 MW), Agus 2 (60 MW), Agus 4 (75 MW), Agus 5 (30 MW), Agus 6 (100 MW), Agus 7 (25 MW), and Pulangi (126 MW).

“The total available hydro power capability in Mindanao is now 441 MW out of the total rated capability of 982 MW,” the system operator stressed.