Amid the luminous promise of progress, Eastern Visayas finds itself grappling with a persistent challenge—unforeseen blackouts that cast shadows over the nation's quest for a stable and resilient energy supply. At the heart of this issue is the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), a crucial player in the complex dance of power distribution.
Since its inception in 2008, NGCP has been a linchpin in the Philippines' energy infrastructure, tasked with the daunting responsibility of ensuring the seamless transmission of electricity across the archipelago. While the corporation has made commendable strides in modernizing the grid, the specter of blackouts continues to haunt the nation, sparking concerns about the reliability of our power supply.
As Leyteños experienced power outages as early as the first day of 2024 along with a series of blackouts in the following days have raised eyebrows and prompted citizens to question the efficacy of NGCP's operations. In recent months, various regions have experienced disruptions in power supply, leading to inconveniences, economic setbacks, and a growing sense of frustration among the populace.
On New Year’s Day, areas covered by Dorelco in the central part of Leyte experienced a six-hour power outage. The Dorelco management said in its advisory the problem originated from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines. The NGCP said on January 2 the power interruption was caused by problems in transmission lines that carry electricity from the power generators to the distribution line of the electric cooperative.
To appease the public, the Leyte provincial board asked the five electric cooperatives in Leyte, namely Orestes Romualdez Electric Cooperative (Dorelco), Leyte II, III, IV, and V Electric to report the status of their operations last year and their plans for 2024 to avert power outages.
Senior Board Member Carlo Loreto (Leyte 5th district) said the local government must be informed on the current power situation in the province to keep them updated and to prevent possible power outages that may occur, just like what happened in Panay Island last week.
Through a resolution, the provincial board ordered the electric cooperatives to submit their annual report and their projection for this year’s operation in their respective areas of jurisdiction.
“We asked them through a resolution to provide us with a report about their projection of the power needed in their respective areas of operation and also to provide us with information on the contracts of their power purchase agreement,” Loreto said. “We are also asking them to include in their report their necessary steps or fallback in case there is a shortage of supply of the energy provided under the power purchase agreement."
The provincial board asked the management of five power cooperatives to present their respective reports during the board’s session so that they could provide answers or clarification to every member’s queries and by doing so, the current energy situation of the province, its requirements, and plans is crucial, as it will benefit and keep power consumers informed.
Find a solution
The current spate of blackouts brings to the fore the challenges faced by NGCP in managing a complex and expansive power grid. Aging infrastructure, insufficient maintenance, and an increased demand for electricity are among the factors contributing to the recurring blackouts. It is high time for NGCP to reassess its strategies, invest in cutting-edge technology, and collaborate with the government and private stakeholders to fortify the grid against these disruptions.
Simultaneously, the government must play a proactive role in supporting NGCP's initiatives, providing the necessary resources and creating an environment conducive to the development of a robust and reliable energy infrastructure. Regulatory reforms and incentives for the integration of renewable energy sources should be explored to diversify the power supply and reduce the strain on the existing grid.
The current wave of blackouts confronting the Philippines is a stark reminder that the journey toward a stable and resilient energy future is fraught with challenges. NGCP, as the steward of the nation's power transmission, must rise to the occasion, implementing strategic measures to mitigate the impact of blackouts and fortify the grid against future disruptions.
In navigating this complex issue, a collaborative approach involving NGCP, the government, and the private sector is imperative. Together, they can usher in an era where blackouts are minimized, and the promise of uninterrupted power becomes a reality, laying the foundation for a brighter and more energized Easter Visayas, if not, the Philippines as a whole.
(M.D Ace with reports from Joyce Kahano)
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