The government is eyeing potential sanctions against the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the operators of multiple power plants following the recent power outages in Western Visayas, the Energy Regulatory Commission said on Saturday.
ERC chairperson Mona Dimalanta said investigation into the massive power outage may be completed in six to eight weeks.
Dimalanta said sanctions could be imposed “against NGCP or whoever else is accountable.”
“We don’t just excuse the power plants, for example. Because the six power plants may have lapses in maintaining standards. For example, did any of them fail to follow the Grid Code? In that case, they may also be penalized. It’s not just NGCP if we find that they didn’t do their job,” she said.
She said the NGCP is facing backlash because it is the “main actor” in operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s state-owned power grid.
Power outages hit the islands of Panay, Guimaras, and Negros due to the trip-offs of the Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) Units 1 and 2, as well as the Palm Concepcion Power Corp. Unit 1.
Dimalanta said the power supply in the Western Visayas is already “normal and stable.”
Meanwhile, the Maharlika Investment Corporation showed its interest in exploring an investment in the NGCP.
MIC president and CEO Raphael Consing Jr. endorsed the proposal of Speaker Martin Romualdez for the body to strategically invest in NGCP given its critical role as the backbone of the nation’s power system.
“This move holds immense potential to strengthen our energy sector and pave the way for a brighter future…Investing in NGCP through Maharlika is about investing in the Philippines’ future. It will be a bold step towards securing our energy independence, fueling economic prosperity, and ensuring a brighter tomorrow for every Filipino,” Consing said.