Visayas and Mindanao Grids Under Red Alert Again Amidst Power Plant Shutdowns

MANILA, Philippines — A sudden shutdown of several power plants triggered another red alert on the Visayas and Mindanao grids yesterday, resulting in rotating blackouts in several areas. The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) hoisted the red alert from 1 to 10 p.m. in the Visayas, and from 1 to 9 p.m. in Mindanao. A yellow alert was also in effect in the Visayas from noon to 1 p.m. and from 10 to 11 p.m., while Mindanao was under a similar alert from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 9 to 10 p.m. Since the start of the year, there have been 94 yellow and 31 red alerts hoisted in the Visayas due to the tripping of power plants, latest NGCP data showed. Mindanao has recorded 11 yellow and four red alerts to date. A yellow alert is issued when power reserves fall to low levels, while a red alert means the power supply is no longer sufficient to meet consumers’ demand. During a red alert, the NGCP and power utilities may implement manual load dropping or rotational blackouts to maintain grid integrity and prevent a wider power interruption. More than 1,700 megawatts of capacity were unavailable yesterday as at least 64 power plants including major coal-fired facilities went offline. Twenty-two other power facilities operated at a reduced capacity. Limited power imports from Mindanao tightened supply situation in the Visayas, grid operators said.