Power retailer Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Thursday it is inviting generation firms to participate in the competitive selection process (CSP) for 660 megawatts (MW) of interim supply in preparation for the expected increase in demand during the dry months.
Power demand historically rises during the dry months, with lower output from hydro plants, resulting in a possible tightness in available supply.
Meralco said this followed the Department of Energy’s (DOE) issuance of a certificate of conformity on the terms of reference (TOR) for the interim power supply agreements (IPSAs) covering 260-MW peaking requirement and 400-MW baseload requirement this year.
Meralco said power suppliers of the 260 MW peaking capacity should ensure 100-percent availability of the contract capacity for 12 hours daily covering the peak hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The 400 MW capacity should come from baseoad supply, where each unit of the plant capable of generating its rated capacity for 24/7.
Meralco said the conduct of the CSPs are in accordance with the DOE-approved power supply procurement plan that considers the need for additional available capacities to augment supply.
The 260-MW and 400-MW IPSAs will be effective until July 2024 and February 2025, respectively. Interested power generation companies are required to submit expressions of interest for both IPSAs by Jan. 15.
Meralco set the pre-bid conference for the 260 MW peaking requirement and 400 MW baseload requirement on Jan. 22. The bid submission deadlines were set on Feb. 26 and 27, respectively.