ERC requires real-time reporting of power outages

MANILA, Philippines – The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) passed a resolution requiring power generation companies (gencos) to report power outages in “real-time.”

Gencos must provide real-time accurate information on the operations of their generation facilities, specifically timely notification to the ERC of unplanned or planned power outage events, said an ERC resolution signed on March 9 and released to the public last week.

“In view of the projected imbalance in the Luzon grid, the ERC is cognizant of the need to monitor the reliability performance of the generation facilities of generation companies not only on annual basis but close to real-time,” stated the ERC Resolution No. 04, Series of 2015.

Reports to the ERC will be done through the use of short message service (SMS), e-mail and fax machines among others.

Unplanned outage procedure

In the event of an unplanned outage or sudden shutdown, the ERC requires an SMS from the genco responsible detailing the type of unplanned outage, name of generation facility, total outage, date and time of occurrence, reason for outage and surname of person reporting.

Gencos are required to follow up the SMS with a report sent through e-mail or fax within 48 hours of the unplanned outage.

The same SMS procedure of reporting to the ERC will be followed within 3 hours from the resumption of operations of the generating facility.

This should also be followed by a report in writing through e-mail or fax, signed by the duly authorized representative of the genco, within 48 hours from resumption of operations.

Planned outage procedure

On planned outage, the ERC should be informed of such events at least 10 days prior to the implementation of the event.

A report, detailing the planned outage, must be submitted to the agency.

Within 48 hours from resumption of operations of the power facility, the genco should also submit a report signed by a duly authorized representative stating the actual time and date of the resumption, total outage hours, among others.

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the ERC may require reports from electric power industry participants as necessary to facilitate compliance under Section 4, Rule 3 of the said law.

The Department of Energy, meanwhile, urged the public to continue to practice energy efficiency and conservation measures despite the Malampaya Gas facility  coming back online.

The Malampaya Gas facility supplies natural gas to 3 plants that supply around half of Luzon’s energy needs. – Rappler.com