Power crisis not artificial

This is in reply to the article written by Gil Cabacungan titled “Only winners in Mindanao crisis are power firms—solon” (Inquirer, 3/5/12).

The Department of Energy (DOE) clarifies that the energy shortage in Mindanao is not artificial. Based on data submitted by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the Mindanao grid has been experiencing low energy supply marked by “red alert” status.
A “red alert” means that there is no reserve level for the grid’s operation.

We stress that the solution for Mindanao requires the introduction of base load generating capacities capable of producing power at any time of the day. We clarify that Department Circular No. 2012-03-0004 was issued to address the outages through the rationalization and deployment of all generating capacities.

We emphasize that Mindanao’s energy consumption peaks during the evenings. Current technology for power storage limits the contribution of Solar PV to address Mindanao’s consumption peak. Based on studies, the cost to store power is higher than the cost of diesel generation.

The DOE has a comprehensive energy plan for Mindanao and is committed to ensure the implementation of the best possible solution to the Mindanao power situation.

—JOSE RENE D. ALMENDRAS,

secretary, Department of Energy,

info@doe.gov.ph