Batangas plants still operational

First Gen Corp. said Tuesday its three gas-fired power plants in Batangas City, including the 1000-megawatt Santa Rita, 500-MW San Lorenzo, and 97-MW Avion remain operational despite the eruption of the Taal Volcano.

First Gen said, however, that the accumulating ash fall has the potential to cause damage to the plants’ gas turbines, which in turn could affect their ability to deliver power.

“Rest assured that any decision to curtail the operations of the said power plants will be based on

safety and good utility practice considerations. First Gen is now coordinating closely with the

National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and Meralco, and will work with the Department of

Energy should any curtailment be warranted,” it said in a statement.

First Gen said its 414-MW San Gabriel power plant was on scheduled shutdown from Jan. 4 to 18, 2020.