By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) announced on Saturday (January 20, 2024) that Panay Island now maintains a stable electricity supply despite a generating plant going offline on January 17.

“Ang situation po ngayon, kagaya ng nabanggit ko kanina, stable po ang grid system natin. May ample supply tayo, walang kakulangan, at every 30 minutes po mino-monitor namin iyong sitwasyon. At mayroon pang mga oras na nag-eexport pa ang Panay papunta ng Negros,” shared Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan during a forum.

“Ang sitwasyon po is dahil may isang plantang naka-out at iyong planta rin po na iyon ay naka-out at that time na mangyari iyong January 2. So ngayon, para maiiwasan po natin na huwag magkaroon pa ng sitwasyon kagaya ng noong January 2. Kung mayroon pang isa o dalawang planta na magkakaroon pa ng problema, saka po sila mag-iisyu noong talagang advisory na magkakaroon ng manual o tripping.”

When asked about rotational brownouts in Panay, the DOE official clarified that there are no rotational brownouts except during the time the affected plant temporarily ceased operations.

Marasigan noted that before the January 17 incident, Panay had a stable energy generation operation, except on January 2, when the region experienced high power demand, resulting in a prolonged blackout.

Panay Island currently has more than 400 megawatts of power supply, while the demand is around 420 megawatts, according to Marasigan.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liezelle Soriano

MANILA — The Department of Energy (DOE) has indicated that electricity may potentially be restored to Panay Island on Friday, three days after the onset of the power outage.

DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan stated that they are aiming for the restoration of electricity “within the day.”

“Tentatively, we are targeting within the day, what we call the ramp rate. The increase in capacity should be manageable within the day,” Marasigan explained.

“Our priority is to restore electricity service to Panay Island. We are closely monitoring the reoperation of the Palm Concepcion power plant, which has a capacity of 135MW. Hopefully, it will reach full operational capacity and synchronize with the grid within the day,” he added.

“We hope it won’t extend into the night.”

The blackout commenced on January 2.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed concern, stating that the city is incurring losses of P400 million to P500 million daily due to power interruptions and rotational brownouts.

“In three days, we would have lost P1.5 billion. What a way to start the new year!”

Earlier, Treñas called for a congressional inquiry to take place in Iloilo City.

“I am requesting that any legislative investigation by Congress be held in Iloilo City. The Provincial Capitol is an ideal location for this investigation. It is necessary for our legislators, NGCP, DoE, ERC, and other agencies to feel the collective indignation of the Ilonggo people regarding the incompetence of NGCP,” Treñas emphasized.

(el Amigo/MNM)

By Liza Soriano

MANILA — Senators have expressed their dismay over the recent power outage in Panay Island, adversely affecting its residents.

“I am incensed and dismayed by the persistent power outages plaguing some provinces in Western Visayas, particularly in Iloilo,” stated Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.

“Constant power interruptions have widespread effects on our communities, extending beyond mere inconvenience. They affect not only businesses, livelihoods, and the delivery of basic services to the people, but they have dire and far-reaching consequences on the lives of citizens,” he added.

Senator Grace Poe also voiced her discontent, deeming the incident “unacceptable.”

“Kawawa ang mga nasa bahay, mga estudyante, negosyo at maging ang operasyon ng lokal na pamahalaan,” Poe said.

“Concerned agencies and private companies must find ways to restore power in Panay Island at the most expedient time.”

In separate statements, Senate Energy Committee Chairman Raffy Tulfo, Vice Chairman Sherwin Gatchalian, and Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa announced their intention to file resolutions to investigate this matter.

(El Amigo/MNM)

Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin is actively pushing for an investigation into the power outage that occurred in Panay Island.

On Thursday, Iloilo First District Representative Janette Garin asserted that those responsible for the blackout would face accountability.

She emphasized the severe impact of the blackout on lives and economic activities, deeming it unacceptable.

Garin stressed the need for urgent solutions to ensure a consistent and reliable electricity supply for everyone.

Expressing the importance of holding entities accountable for neglecting their duty in maintaining a reliable power grid, the House Deputy Majority Leader announced her intention to file a resolution for the investigation of the power outage in the island.

Areas such as Guimaras Island, Iloilo, Antique, Aklan, and Capiz were among those affected by the power outage, adversely impacting the livelihoods of residents, particularly small business owners.

Garin highlighted the detrimental effects on businesses like eateries and market vendors whose perishable goods suffered due to the sudden power loss.

“Maraming nasirang ingredients ng ating MSMEs mga kainan. Mga isda ng mangingisda sira din. Parang hindi magandang pagsalubong sa taong 2024,” the lawmaker said.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines reported that on January 2, power plants on Panay Island tripped, leading to a significant power outage.

In addition, Garin called upon the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) to promptly address and resolve the power outage situation in Western Visayas.