System operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) carried out its ‘blackout simulation drill’ as part of its emergency preparation measures in case any of the power grids would descend into unwanted power interruptions or brownouts.

Similar to last year, the company noted the activity was done in a virtual setting to observe social distancing measures because of the Covid-19 pandemic. But just the same, the outcome was still well intended at “ensuring stable and reliable transmission services in the event of a major power disturbance or emergency.”

NGCP said its systems operations personnel spearheaded the simulation drill, and this was done in collaboration with key industry stakeholders – including the power generation companies, distribution utilities and government agencies like the Department of Energy (DOE), National Electrification Administration (NEA) and National Transmission Corporation (TransCo).

Prior to the re-enforcement of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) within the enclaves of the National Capital Region (NCR) plus bubble, it was indicated that the system had detected possible ‘red alert’ conditions that could lead to service interruptions or brownouts under a worst case state, but because of lower demand following the stricter lockdown protocols, it was later on established that such extreme scenario may no longer happen.

On the blackout drill of NGCP, it said that “the presentations for the area and regional control centers for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao were done via video conferencing and the actual blackout simulation drills were conducted a week after the virtual meetings.”

The transmission firm explained that “by discusing our plans and procedures with key industry players, we will be able to improve the resiliency of the grid and ensure the continuous and unhampered transmission of power in the new normal.”

The company added “this annual exercise is critical as we need to be constantly prepared for any and all challenges the grid may face.”

NGCP similarly emphasized that “the stability of the country’s power transmission rests on the expertise of our team, and our ability to navigate through critical incidents.”

It is worth noting that players in the power sector had been fiercely prodded on ensuring reliable power supply, not just within the summer months but all throughout the country’s timeframe on administering its inoculation program -- given that some vaccines on rollout would be needing sub-zero refrigeration systems.

NGCP thus noted that its recent blackout drill served as a helpful venue to prep all relevant stakeholders on that aim of uninterrupted power service, amid the constraints posed by the pandemic.

Via that undertaking, the transmission firm pointed out, it was able to achieve “coordination and teamwork needed among all the players in the power industry, especially during significant incident scenarios which may affect grid operations.”

The array of workshops covered those on: blackout scenarios that could possibly occur in various parts of the country; sifting through and enforcing the power system blackout restoration guidelines; and addressing possible drawbacks at power restoration highways.
“This ensures that in case of any major power disturbance or blackout due to any calamity or emergency, NGCP’s regional and area control centers, as well as the power generators, know their specific roles in restoring power in their area of responsibility,” the transmission company stressed.