The Manila Times
SENATE President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the increasing frequency of red and yellow alerts issued by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), warning that recurring power supply constraints could threaten energy security and economic stability. In filing Proposed Senate Resolution (SR) 425, Gatchalian called for a comprehensive assessment of the country’s power supply situation following a series of grid alerts that resulted in power interruptions in parts of Luzon and the Visayas. “Projections that the El Niño weather phenomenon may strengthen in the last four months of the year up to January next year could exacerbate the power-supply gap in the country,” Gatchalian said. Under NGCP protocols, a red alert is declared when available power reserves fall to critical levels, indicating an insufficient supply to meet consumer demand and often leading to rotational brownouts or service interruptions. A yellow alert, meanwhile, signifies that operating reserves have dropped below required levels, although power supply remains sufficient to meet current demand. Data cited in the resolution showed that from May 12 to May 31, the Visayas grid was placed under red alert for approximately 22 hours and under yellow alert for about 93 hours. During the same period, the Luzon grid experienced around 27 interval hours of red alerts and approximately 5.5 interval hours of yellow alerts. Gatchalian said the recurring alerts raise concerns about the reliability and adequacy of the country’s power generation and transmission systems, particularly as electricity demand typically rises during periods of extreme heat. The proposed Senate inquiry aims to determine the country’s actual power supply, identify factors contributing to recurring alerts and assess the energy sector’s capability to address potential shortages. Also, the lawmaker said the investigation would seek to ensure grid reliability, hold accountable those found to have contributed to supply deficiencies, and verify whether power generation companies are complying with industry standards and contractual obligations. In addition, the inquiry will explore possible government interventions to strengthen the country’s energy security and ensure the strict implementation of existing energy laws, including demand-side management measures under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act. The Philippines has repeatedly experienced power supply challenges in recent years due to growing electricity demand, unplanned power plant outages, transmission constraints and delays in bringing new generation capacity online. Energy experts have warned that prolonged dry conditions associated with El Niño could further strain the country’s power reserves by increasing electricity consumption while reducing the output of some power facilities. The Senate resolution is expected to be referred to the appropriate committee for deliberation when Congress resumes session.
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