Manila: The Department of Energy (DOE) has mobilized its task force to investigate the widespread power interruptions that affected Luzon. The outages occurred on Wednesday after the tripping of the 500-kilovolt (kV) Tayabas-Ilijan and Ilijan-Dasmari±as transmission lines.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DOE's Grid Reliability Task Force (GRTF) has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The tripping of the two major transmission lines resulted in the disconnection of 2,462.1 megawatts (MW) of natural gas-fired capacity from the Luzon grid, causing significant supply disruptions.
The DOE reported that Ilijan Blocks A and B, along with Excellent Energy Resources Inc. (EERI) Units 1, 2, and 3, were disconnected from the grid. As of Friday, only EERI Unit 1 had synchronized back into the system. EERI Units 2 and 3, along with Ilijan Blocks A and B, remained under technical assessment before they could safely resume operations.
The DOE noted that system conditions in Luzon worsened after Masinloc Unit 3, which has a generating capacity of 325 MW, went on forced outage. To determine the root cause of the disturbances, the DOE is convening the GRTF, which includes various key energy agencies, for a detailed technical assessment.
DOE Secretary Sharon Garin emphasized the need for full technical disclosure and accountability due to the scale of the incident. She assured the public that a complete examination of operational, technical, and compliance aspects would be conducted.
The DOE has also urged consumers to conserve electricity, especially during peak demand hours, to alleviate pressure on the grid.
In response to the situation, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued yellow and red alerts for the Luzon grid. The alerts were raised due to the grid's available capacity falling below the projected peak demand. Similar alerts were issued for the Visayas grid as well.
Following the NGCP's advisory, the Manila Electric Company warned of potential manual load dropping or rotating power interruptions to manage the system. The utility company is also working with commercial and industrial customers to ease grid pressure through the Interruptible Load Program.
DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan reiterated the department's directive for a full accounting of the power disruptions. He emphasized the need for immediate responses from generating companies and the NGCP.
The DOE is also monitoring new power projects and facilities to strengthen the country's electricity supply, with several facilities ready for commissioning. The department is also focusing on indigenous energy resources to improve long-term energy security.
In terms of security, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented heightened measures nationwide. The PNP has directed its officers to increase patrols in residential and commercial areas during power interruptions to prevent crime. Collaboration with local community watchmen is also part of the strategy to maintain safety during these events.
