DOE orders gencos to undergo backup power capability testing
The Department of Energy (DOE) has called on generation companies (GenCos) to ensure their facilities can provide backup power when necessary.
In an advisory, outgoing Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla urged all generation facilities to undergo ancillary service (AS) capability testing to be certified based on their feasibility.
The AS capability test evaluates a power plant’s grid stability, performance, and compliance with the grid standards set by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), as well as its ability to participate in the AS market.
Lotilla referenced an NGCP report from last March, which noted that 128 generating units nationwide had yet to undergo the required procedure.
“In view of the foregoing, all generation companies are hereby directed to coordinate with the System Operator (SO) to conduct the AS capability testing and secure their corresponding accreditation for their generation facilities,” Lotilla stated.
According to the DOE, this testing must be completed before the end of 2025.
The SO is also required to submit a copy of the testing schedules to the DOE, along with a progress report every fifth day following the end of each month until completion.
The GenCos that have yet to undergo these tests remain undisclosed.