Grid operator NGCP has raised a yellow alert in Luzon and Visayas due to a thin power supply caused by the unavailability of several power plants. The alert period in Luzon is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. today, April 26, while in Visayas, it will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
A yellow alert is raised when the operating margin is insufficient, but this does not necessarily result in power interruptions. The Department of Energy (DOE) stated that high temperatures have led to electricity demand in Luzon surpassing the 14,000-megawatt level.
Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara mentioned that red and yellow alerts might be raised in certain areas if more power plants become unavailable. Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla acknowledged the power situation as a challenge and a calamity, affecting sectors like agriculture, health, and education.
Despite the challenges, power plants in Luzon still have an available capacity exceeding the peak demand. In Visayas, the available capacity also remains sufficient to meet peak demand. However, forced outages and reduced capacities in both regions have resulted in significant supply losses.
