The anticipated scorching grip of El Niño may still alter power supply-demand projections, especially when temperature would exceptionally rise during the summer months, according to the Department of Energy.

“Power supply projections may still change, even if we have adequate projection, due to extreme temperatures during the height of summer that will be exacerbated by El Nino,” Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla conveyed.

With the incursion of this disruptive weather pattern then, the energy chief is intensifying his plea to the public on the responsible use of energy – both to businesses as well as household consumers.

Beyond that, relevant government agencies - during their December 18 Executive Committee meeting - had collectively fleshed out the vital infrastructure facilities that could be strained with power supply when El Niño’s wrath would reach precarious proportions – and the aim of the State is to provide quick and judicious interventions.

These infrastructure facilities shall cover hospitals, blood banks, banks, and water pumping stations, according to the energy department.

Further, the local government units (LGUs) are called upon to help identify critical facilities in their respective domains that must also be accorded with ‘efficient interventions’ when warranted.

“As we face the challenging period where we would need the support of everyone, we must therefore be conscious in our use of electricity,” the energy chief stressed.

Possible severe blow of the El Nino phenomenon is seen as the crucible that will test not just the resiliency of the country’s power infrastructure chain, but how consumers can triumph over that constraint with their lifestyle choices and business strategies.

“President Marcos has emphasized the need to expand and deepen the practice of energy efficiency and conservation to mitigate power demand,” Lotilla noted.

As explained by the energy department, “historically, the El Niño phenomenon increases the ambient temperatures and heat index by one to two degrees,” adding that “in some parts of the country where ordinarily 39 to 40 degrees are being felt, one to two degrees higher could be felt during those times.”

And when temperature records are shattered, the naturally-occurring consequence of that, the DOE emphasized, would be dramatic rise in electricity consumption.

“As we face the challenging period where we would need the support of everyone, we must therefore be conscious in our use of electricity,” Lotilla expounded.

The energy efficiency practices that consumers could pursue may include unplugging unnecessary appliances during peak hours; ironing clothes during off-peak usage of electricity; using light-emitting diode (LED) lights and other inverter technologies – primarily those with air-conditioning units.