Mindanao grid sees first red alert – BusinessWorld Online
THE Mindanao grid has recorded its first red alert this year, triggered by high forecasted demand, while the Visayas grid continued to suffer from low power supply, according to the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP).
In an advisory on Monday, NGCP raised both red and yellow alerts over the Visayas and Mindanao.
The Mindanao grid was placed under red alert from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and again from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., while a yellow alert was in effect from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, red alert was imposed over Visayas grid from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by a yellow alert from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement. If conditions worsen and supply is not enough to meet demand, a red alert is declared, raising the risk of rotational brownouts.
NGCP attributed the grid alert in Mindanao to higher forecasted system demand, which reduced electricity exports to the Visayas.
The drop in exports worsened the Visayas grid’s already tight power supply, which has been strained by forced outages at several plants.
During the period, available capacity was 2,350 megawatts (MW) against the peak demand of 2,276 MW.
A total of 909.9 MW was lost to the grid, as 26 plants are on shutdown while 13 plants are running on derated capacities. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera