Climate and energy group Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities warned of yellow and red alerts, with possible rotating blackouts in Luzon, in the second quarter if the government would fail to address the need for additional capacities.
ICSC senior policy advisor Pete Maniego Jr. said the power outlook for 2023 is “bleak” as the group does not foresee much improvement in supply from both coal and fossil gas power plants.
Maniego said several coal plants suffered prolonged and recurrent outages even after repairs and maintenance.
“Fossil gas supply remains restricted, affecting the operations of natgas plants. The entry of new solar and other RE power plants to augment much-needed supply is likewise constrained by limited transmission and distribution interconnection capacities,” Maniego said.
Maniego labeled as “very optimistic” the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ 2023 weekly demand, supply and operating margin report where sufficient operating reserves were projected from April 24 to May 28. He said the report might not reflect the actual operation of the grid.