Visayas grid exits yellow alert on DOE reforms

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Energy (DOE) said the Visayas grid has exited yellow alert after a major generating unit returned to service, while authorities pushed ahead with long-term energy security reforms.

In a statement on Monday, the DOE said the restoration of 150 megawatts (MW) from Panay Energy Development Corp.’s (PEDC) Unit 3 significantly improved power supply conditions in the region and allowed the grid to return to normal operations.

READ: MGEN’s Iloilo coal plant back online

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Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the development reflects the collaboration between the government and industry players in stablizing the power system while pursuing structural reforms to improve energy resilience.

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With PEDC Unit 3 back online, dependable capacity available to the Visayas grid, including imported power from Luzon and Mindanao through interconnections, rose to 2,502 MW during daytime operations and 2,483 MW during the evening peak.

The DOE said around 700 MW of imported capacity is currently supporting the grid.

READ: Visayas power woes highlight need for gridwide upgrade

Authorities are also working on the return to service of other major power plants undergoing scheduled maintenance, including Therma Visayas Units 1 and 2, each with a capacity of 169 MW, and KEPCO-SPC Unit 1 in Cebu.

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The two Therma Visayas units are expected to resume operations by the end of August, further improving the region’s supply outlook in the coming months, according to the DOE.

“The lifting of the yellow alert is an encouraging development, but our work does not stop here. We remain focused on expanding generation capacity, accelerating renewable energy development, strengthening our transmission network, and ensuring that our power system is resilient enough to meet the country’s growing energy needs,” Garin said.

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Legislative push

The energy chief also linked power security efforts to proposed amendments to the Oil Deregulation Law, which Congress continues to deliberate.

READ: DOE finalizes drafted changes to oil deregulation law

Among the proposed measures are the creation of a national fuel reserve equivalent to at least 60 days of supply and an increase in the minimum inventory requirement for oil companies from 15 days to 30 days.

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The DOE said these reforms aim to cushion the country against supply disruptions, improve market resilience and provide better protection for consumers during periods of global volatility. /pai INQ