Visayas Grid on Red Alert: Potential Rotational Power Interruptions Expected

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has announced a red alert status for the Visayas grid effective from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday. This urgent notification came after a sudden decrease in power output due to technical issues with key power units.

Specifically, the reduced power output was triggered by the malfunctioning of GNPK 2 and SMCPC units, which collectively contribute 273 MW to the grid. The outage of these units has created a significant gap between available power supply and the demand across the region.

During a red alert, the power supply is critically low in comparison to the demand, with potential risks to the stability of the power system. To manage this disparity and ensure the grid’s integrity, the NGCP might implement manual load dropping or rotational power interruptions. These measures are designed to prevent a more severe outcome, such as a widespread power outage, by temporarily reducing power in certain areas to balance the load on the grid.

Consumers in the Visayas are advised to prepare for possible power interruptions during the specified hours and to conserve energy to help mitigate the impact of the shortage. The NGCP continues to monitor the situation closely and is working to address the issues to restore full capacity as swiftly as possible.