THE ALSONS Power Group said its subsidiary, Sarangani Energy Corp. (SEC), was getting ready to start commercial operations of the first 105-megawatt (MW) section or energy generating unit of its 210-MW baseload coal-fired power plant in Maasim, Sarangani province this month.
Alsons Power said SEC had finished tests for Section 1 and would likely start commercial operations this month to provide power to key areas in Mindanao that were reeling from another summer of power shortages.
SEC is now awaiting the issuance of a certificate of compliance (COC) from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to be able to operate commercially.
Alsons Power said that with the start of the plant’s commercial operations, SEC Section 1 will be up and running in time to ensure enough supply of power during the May 2016 elections and beyond, with more than three million residents in the provinces of Sarangani, Compostela Valley, Agusan del Norte, and Agusan del Sur; the cities of General Santos, Iligan, Bayugan, Butuan, Samal and Taguml, and some key municipalities in Davao del Norte and South Cotabato to be served.
“Once we commence commercial operations, SEC 1 will be able to bring in 105 MW of power to key areas in Mindanao that will help put an end to the 6-year-old power shortage and provide substantial relief to the people who have been suffering from this dire situation,” said Nicandro R. Fucoy, Alsons Power VP for project implementation and head of coal operations.
Fucoy said Alsons Power was confident the ERC would be able to issue the COC the soonest time possible as the company had already completed all requirements.
“Any delay in the start of commercial operations would be a gross disservice to the people who have long been waiting for an end to the power crisis,” he said.
Alsons Power said the $570-million SEC power plant, which comprises two sections, was so far the single largest investment in Sarangani province and the entire Region 12.
When it reaches its full 210-MW capacity in 2018, the SEC plant’s coverage area will include the entire province of South Cotabato and the provinces of Davao del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and key areas in Misamis Oriental and North Cotabato. Major population centers serviced by the plant when it reaches full capacity will also include the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Dapitan, Digos, Dipolog, Koronadal, Kidapawan and Pagadian.
Once it reaches full capacity, the SEC power facility will be able to provide access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity to more than six million people.