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NGCP: Summer outlook is positive

MANILA, April 1 (PNA) -- Summer is traditionally the period when energy demand peaks but according to the projections of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), if all factors remain the same, the energy outlook for March to June is positive.

”Assuming that no plant goes on unscheduled maintenance and assuming that the load at its peak does not exceed 9,870 megawatts (MW), there will be no power outage. But outside of those two conditions, we cannot give any assurance,” explained NGCP spokesperson, Atty. Cynthia Alabanza, during a media briefing on Friday.

The NGCP has projected that demand would reach its highest during the week of May 13 to 19, based on research on consumer and commercial behavior in previous years and weather forecasts for that week.

Demand peaked at 8,928 MW during the same period in 2015 and reached a high of 9,726 MW in April 2016, which was election year and the country was experiencing the El Niño weather phenomenon.

Alabanza however said they are cautiously confident that if all power plants are up and running and with judicious use of electricity, the public will be able to enjoy the summer months without any discomfort.

Like the Department of Energy (DOE), the NGCP also advocates demand-side management of power consumption and has also released energy conservation tips to the public, she said.

Alabanza suggested that ironing chores and other high-load consuming tasks be done during periods when power supply is not strained, for instance at night or during weekends.

Ironing could also be done at off-peak hours or before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. at night or once every week.

For lighting, she recommended that fluorescent lamps be wiped clean to give maximum illumination, as well as the use of Compact Fluorescent Lamps for energy efficiency instead of incandescent bulbs.

For air-conditioning and refrigeration, units with a high Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) have a lower electric consumption compared to non-EER air-conditioners and refrigerators. Keeping the air-conditioning units clean and patching up possible air leaks in the room will also help in efficient cooling.

Electric fans should be kept clean, she said, adding that putting the television set on stand-by mode also consumes energy.

Unplug all appliances when not in use to avoid unnecessary consumption, she said. (PNA)

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