NGCP expects the supply situation to worsen come January 4 when classes and work resume.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) puts the Mindanao grid on Yellow alert with the Regulating Reserves at only 45 megawatts as of 6 PM, January 1, due to the isolation of NAPOCOR owned generating facilities Agus 1 and 2 hydropower plants.
The generation plants, with a combined maximum capacity of 150 MW, are disconnected from the grid due to the bombing of Tower#25 along Agus 2- Kibawe 138kV line in Ramain, Lanao del Sur last Christmas Eve.
Restoration was halted due to failed negotiation with landowner of the property where the facility is located. The owner refused NGCP entry to repair the toppled tower alleging that government failed to pay his claims long ago.
Despite lower power consumption brought about by the cold weather and year end holidays, NGCP still placed the Mindanao grid on Yellow alert, with the reserves falling below required levels.
NGCP expects the supply situation to worsen come January 4 when classes and work resume.
NGCP is appealing to the public, local and national goverment, PNP and AFP to help monitor the safety of the towers so that transmission services remain uninterrupted. The company also appeals to local community leaders to help identify the perpetrators of the bombings, and to negotiate with uncooperative landowners, to prevent longer power interruptions. (Beth Ladaga, NGCP)
