NGCP prepares for blackout scenario as DoE calms jitters

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) held blackout simulation drills as the Department of Energy (DoE) downplayed the former’s warning about a potential supply shortage in the next few months.

NGCP earlier called on the government and power generation companies to look into a potential supply shortage that might occur in the next few months, going as far as August, considering that renewed lockdown restrictions have contributed to prolonged power plant outages.

Last Monday, energy officials downplayed NGCP’s warning, saying that the projected peak demand was unlikely to be met considering that consumer demand was now going to be lower than previously expected.

But on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in a session of the Joint Congressional Energy Committee that more supplies were needed because of rising demand.

“We are now reopening the economy, and I am sure that there will be a high demand for power,” Cusi said. “That is a challenge for all the industry players to meet. We need added capacity.”

NGCP’s blackout simulation drills are held yearly and are meant to ensure stable and reliable transmission services in case of a major power disturbance or emergency.

Workshops include blackout scenarios occurring in different areas of the country, power system blackout restoration guidelines and power restoration highways.

“This annual exercise is critical as we need to be constantly prepared for any and all challenges the grid may face,” NGCP said in a statement.

The DoE also faulted the grid operator for not complying with a circular that requires it to procure ancillary services through “firm” contracts that would ensure stable supply.

Ancillary services refer to the reserve electricity supply that the company needs to maintain the grid’s operations and stability.

At the committee hearing, NGCP assistant corporate secretary Ronald Dylan Concepcion said the company could not secure reserve power as there was no excess capacity available.

“Our view is that reserves can only be procured if there is enough supply and we are constantly in touch with generation companies as we look for ancillary services suppliers,” Concepcion said.