DOE assures sufficient power for Visayas

January 26, 2018 - 10:29 AM
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(Reuters file)

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — The Department of Energy-Visayas Field Office assured that there is sufficient electricity in the Visayas for the region’s needs.

Engineer Keelvin Dajao described the regional power outlook for 2018 as stable, with supply and capacity more than enough to meet demand.

Dajao said the average demand for electricity in the Visayas was 1,700-1,800MW while the region has a power supply of 2,300MW and generating capacity of 2,100MW, but Luzon exports 300MW to the region especially during peak hours to ensure steady power transmission.

Power plants in Leyte damaged by the July 6, 2017 6.5 magnitude earthquake are almost fully restored and expected to be fully operational by the end of this year, he added.

Dajao acknowledged that the lack of infrastructure in the distribution grid was one of their “biggest challenges” because there would be insufficient means to deliver this to consumers.

Currently, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is undertaking he CNP (Cebu-Negros-Panay) Interconnection, which is expected to be completed and operational by 2022.