More power capacity coming online to prevent yellow, red alerts

THE Department of Energy (DOE) assured lawmakers that there are more power plants coming online that would prevent a repeat of recent yellow and red alerts raised due to tight power supply.

In a hearing of the Committee on Energy at the House of Representatives yesterday, DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin reported that about 1,194 megawatts (MW) of power capacity are currently under test and commissioning stage as of April and will be added to the energy mix within the year.

“These power plants under test and commissioning were likewise able to contribute for the power supply to meet the demand most of the times during these peak period of April and May,” Garin said.

Additionally, as of March, at least three power plants with a total capacity of 171 MW were already on commercial operation.

“Another 172 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) was also available for commercial operation to provide ancillary services to the grid,” the DOE official said.

For this year alone, there are 4,148 MW of committed power projects.

“Committed means that they already have either financial closing or already under construction,” Garin explained.

Until 2028, Garin said there are a total of 12,982 MW of additional capacity from committed power projects, which are expected to meet the power demand growth rate of 7 percent annually.

She added that nine transmission projects between 2024 and 2028 will also augment the power supply in the country.

The Hermosa–San Jose 500 kV Transmission Project, the Tuy 500/230 kV Substation Project Stage1, and the Laguindingan 230 kV Substation Project are seen to be delivered in the second half of the year.

Other transmission projects that will be delivered during the Marcos administration include the Ambuklao–Binga and Binga–San Manuel 230 kV Transmission Line in August 2025, the Cebu–Lapu-Lapu 230kV Transmission Line Project in December 2026, and the Batangas–Mindoro Interconnection Project in December 2027.

For assessment are the Amlan-Dumaguete 138 kV Transmission Project and the Panay–Guimaras 138 kV Interconnection Project. (Philippine News Agency)