Around eight power plants have shut down due to the onset of Tropical Storm Aghon, which may trigger a red alert next week, according to the Department of Energy (DOE).

The energy department recorded a total of 26 plants that have currently gone to a forced outage.

In a briefing on Monday, May 27, Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla urged consumers to conserve energy.

READ: Red, yellow alerts declared for Luzon grid Monday

“[Tropical Storm Aghon] is a natural disaster. And we need to continue preparations for challenges posed by natural disasters,” he said.

Ilijan, Pagbilao power plants, and San Buenaventura Power Ltd., Co (SBPL) are some of the power plants affected by the storm.

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara stated that if the situation does not improve, especially the plants that have shut down due to the typhoon, the DOE will issue another red alert next week, which would assume possible power interruptions.

Energy Undersecretary  Wimpy Fuentabella also explained that there is an active task force that focuses on energy resiliency, stating that they have “been monitoring the efforts of the plants that come back. They only need to synchronize back into the grid along with their lines.”

“It just so happened that while the plants are good to go, the lines are having trouble. But we’re monitoring them closely,” he assured.

Despite this, the DOE has reported two power plants in Marinduque have recovered, but are waiting for improvements with the backbone lines. 

They are also expecting plant restoration developments with the Quezon Electric Cooperative Inc. in terms of distribution line.