Key plants set to reactivate but DOE ready to augment Visayas power supply if needed

Local

THE Department of Energy (DOE) is considering a second round of power capacity augmentation for the Visayas if the grid remains vulnerable despite the expected return of key power plants and new battery energy storage systems (BESS) next month.

Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said on Tuesday, July 28, that the DOE will reassess the grid's condition once two units of Therma Visayas Inc. (TVI) and about 250 megawatts (MW) of battery energy storage projects are online.

"Hopefully, with the completion of more battery energy storage in the Visayas, magkakaroon na tayo ng konting reliability," said Marasigan.

If those additional capacities fail to provide enough stability, the DOE is prepared to roll out another augmentation program focused on improving voltage and frequency support.

"We will continue doing an assessment for Visayas. Kung kailangan pa natin ng second round na augmentation ng capacity, then we are looking for a total support ng voltage and frequency," Marasigan said.

The planned reactivation of TVI Units 1 and 2 remains on schedule for August, according to the DOE.

The agency expects the return of the coal-fired units, together with the new BESS facilities, to improve the grid's operating reserves after months of supply constraints.

The Visayas grid has avoided fresh Yellow Alerts since July 25, marking a temporary reprieve after more than three months of recurring supply shortages caused by forced outages at major power plants and rising electricity demand.

A Yellow Alert is declared when operating reserves fall below required levels, signaling thin supply margins even as electricity demand continues to be met.

The DOE said it will continue monitoring grid conditions before deciding whether additional intervention is necessary.(RBE)