Several power plants on maintenance shutdown in June-July

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Electric Company (Meralco) President Oscar Reyes said that power outages are unlikely if there is enough reserves during the scheduled maintenance shutdown of several power plants in June and July.

“We’re hoping to get through summer without any disruption in service, at least within our franchise area,” said Reyes on Tuesday, May 26, following the company’s stockholders’ meeting.

It can be recalled that the Department of Energy (DOE) had requested the generation companies to defer the maintenance shutdown of their power facilities originally scheduled in March or April and move it to June and July when summer is expected to end.

In June, the following power plants are scheduled to undergo maintenance shutdown:

• 367.5-megawatt (MW) Pagbilao for 27 days up to June 28
• 250-MW module 40 of Sta. Rita power plant from June 25 to 28
• 250-MW module 50 of San Lorenzo power facility from June 13 to 14
• 250-MW module 60 also of San Lorenzo power facility from June 20 to 21

During the scheduled maintenance shutdown, some 600 MW will be shaved off from the Luzon grid on certain days. Meralco, however, said that projected reserve for June is at 905 MW.

In July, the following plants will be on maintenance shutdown:

• 367.5-MW Pagbilao 2 will go offline from July 4 to August 2
• 250-MW module 10 of Sta. Rita power plant from July 11 to 12
• 250-MW module 20 of Sta. Rita from July 18 to 19
• 250-MW module 30 also of Sta. Rita from July 14 to 15

Power reserve in July is estimated at 1,039 MW.

Reyes said that with continued demand management and prudent usage, “we can get through summer.”

“We also have those who signed up with the ILP (interruptible load program). But we are still watching June and July months to be sure,” Reyes added. – Rappler.com

Silhouette of a man on ladder fixing electricity post via Shutterstock