NGCP places Mindanao grid on yellow alert

COTABATO CITY -– The
National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) today declared Yellow
Alert” as two state-owned hydropower plants in Lanao del Sur remained isolated
from the Mindanao grid.

Yellow alert means there's a possibility of power deficiency and rotational brownout. Power shortage is
seen when classes and industrial works resume on Monday.

In a statement, Melfrance
Bambi” Capulong of NGCP Southern Mindanao, said Agus 1 and Agus 2 hydro power
plants remained disconnected to the grid as repair works have been hampered by
refusal of landowner to allow entry of field personnel to work on bombed steel tower
in Lanao del Sur.

The generation
plants, with a combined maximum capacity of 150 MW, are disconnected from the
grid due to the bombing of Tower # 25 along Agus 2 - Kibawe 138KV line in
Ramain, Lanao del Sur last Christmas Eve.

The owner refused
NGCP entry to repair the toppled tower alleging that government failed to pay
his claims long ago,” Capulong added. She did not name the lot owner.

She said despite
lower power consumption brought about by the cold weather and yearend holidays,
NGCP still placed the Mindanao grid on Yellow Alert,” with the reserves
falling below required levels.

Capulong said NGCP expects
the supply situation to worsen come January 4 when classes and work resume.

NGCP is reiterating
its appeal to the public, local and national government, the police and
military to help monitor the safety of the towers so that transmission services
remain uninterrupted.

The company also
appeals to local community leaders to help identify the perpetrators of the
bombings, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer
power interruptions.

Mindanao’s power
outlook for Sunday showed the grid has 107 MW reserve power while on Monday,
when classes and office and industrial works resume, NGPC expect a power
reserve of only 24 MW. (Edwin O. Fernandez)