Ilonggos could expect fewer alerts for the Visayas grid next month, with planned short-term solutions targeted to come in this September.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, in an interview on the sidelines of the ‘Handog ng Pangulo: Serbisyong Sapat Para sa Lahat’ caravan here on Monday, Sept. 14, said the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has to work overtime to complete the contract for the installation of batteries and stabilize the Visayas grid.
“We have been pushing for NGCP to do the contract already. It’s been two, three months already, and now it’s getting worse for Visayas,” she said.
Garin said they are only trying to find a temporary solution, citing the need to lessen the impact on businesses, hospitals and schools.
“Hopefully, within the year, you will feel a decline of the alerts. I cannot promise a total, but hopefully, we will have a good Christmas this year,” she said.
She added that by the end of this year, or the first quarter of 2027, there will also be power barges coming in. She hoped that the national and local governments could help fast-track their processing.
Meanwhile, Garin said she is trying to push for Panay to get connected to Mindoro up to Batangas.
“It gives us more assurance, more stability in the grid, and hopefully, build more power plants in other areas,” she said.
However, since this is not yet in the transmission development plan of NGCP, the firm can allow interested private companies to do it.
“I don’t know if NGCP will allow, but I think no matter what, it’s good for our island. I think it’s the best solution for our island,” she said.
Garin met with the Regional Development Council on Monday to seek their support in pushing for projects to address the power issues in Visayas.PNA
