By Antonio Colina IV
DAVAO CITY – The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has put in place contingency measures to prevent a disruption of the Mindanao grid on Election Day.
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (MANILA BULLETIN)
NGCP Communications and Public Affairs officer Michael Ligalig said an Integrated Disaster Action Plan (IDAP) had been created to ensure the readiness of power transmission facilities during important national events such as elections.
“With its security and contingency preparations set, NGCP can ensure reliable power transmission services before, during, and after the election date,” Ligalig said.
NGCP’s critical units such as the systems operations and operations and maintenance would be fully staffed despite the declaration of May 13 as a non-working day, he said.
“Line crews, engineers, maintenance and testing, and other technical personnel are also strategically positioned in NGCP substations to respond to line tripping, should these occur,” he said.
As of 6 a.m. on Sunday, the grid had 2,247 megawatts (MW) of power and a peak demand of 1,535 MW, leaving the island with 712 MW in supply excess.
The Department of Energy issued Department Circular 2018-05-0014 last year, creating the Energy Task Force Election to ensure adequate and reliable energy supply before, during, and after elections.
The Task Force will also work closely with the national security group composed of the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.