To help areas struck by the Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine”, Lopez-led FP Island Energy Corporation has provided uninterrupted power supply through its microgrid system in Camarines Sur.
In a statement, the firm said around 600 residents in a remote island barangay in the town of Caramoan have received electricity through a small yet self-sufficient energy system that consists of solar energy with battery and diesel generator set.
The renewable energy (RE) component coupled with the conventional power source has helped the victims secure enough power during the typhoon’s onslaught.
According to FP Island, the microgrid systems can help meet the Philippines’ electrification needs by providing power to remote areas that are not connected to the main grid and are difficult for large power utilities to connect.
This microgrid energy system was established in 2021, but prior to its construction, the residents had limited electricity and relied on diesel-fired generators that only lasted a few hours daily.
Since FP Island’s takeover, residents in the area were able to enjoy uninterrupted power supply, prompting a better livelihood in its communities.
Additionally, the firm said that the microgrid installation allowed the community to have internet access, online businesses, printing services, multimedia learning and eduction, mobile phone charging, among others.
Currently, the firm has two other microgrids in Lahuy and Quinalasag, serving a total of 2,400 residents in the area.
“While these microgrids were preemptively shut down before Kristine made landfall, normal operations resumed in 11 of the 13 barangays 48 hours after the storm passed and the winds died down,” it said.
Larry Evangelista, FP Island general manager, assured that its generators and distribution lines only sustained small damages from the winds and strength of the typhoon.
FP Island, which supports the electrification of off-grid areas, is the sister company of RE firm First Gen Corporation and a unit under First Philippine Holdings Corporation.
Its microgrids support the government’s electrification goal as stated in the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) Law in 2001. This allows private corporations to be qualified third parties to provide electricity services in remote areas.
“To accelerate the development of microgrids, the Microgrid Systems Act was passed to facilitate the provision of electricity in remote and unserved or underserved areas of the country,” FP Island explained.