The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Visayas grid on Yellow Alert today, April 30, while the region, including Bacolod City, experiences extreme heat.
The Yellow Alert applies during peak hours from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, the NGCP advisory said.
According to NGCP, the Visayas grid has an available capacity of 2,881 megawatts (MW), and it has anticipated peak demand of 2,580 MW.
The grid’s operating margin continues to face challenges due to multiple power plants experiencing forced outages or derated capacities. Currently, 18 plants are unavailable, totaling 571.9 MW, with some outages dating back to 2022, NGCP said.
A Yellow Alert signifies that the grid’s operating reserve is insufficient to cover unforeseen events, such as sudden plant breakdowns. NGCP may implement rotating power interruptions if demand exceeds available supply.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) previously forecasted a heat index reaching 43 degrees Celsius in Bacolod City. This extreme heat prompted Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to suspend face-to-face classes from nursery to senior high school. PAGASA anticipates the heatwave to persist until May 3.
