The grid operator issues a red alert status when power supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement, while a “yellow alert” means insufficient operating power reserve. Based on an initial assessment of the country’s power supply and demand for this year, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines is seen issuing 17 yellow alerts and three red alerts in 2023.
While areas connected to the main grid are not yet experiencing power outages, off-grid areas have already been hit by brownouts as the National Power Corp. struggles to meet its financial obligations amid the spike in fuel prices. These off-grid areas have farmlands that require irrigation and have small businesses that cater to tourists. Skyrocketing fuel prices have prompted the NPC to seek a higher budget for this year so it could continue delivering electricity to these areas.
Blackouts would affect not only households, but also factories and farms that rely on electricity to power machines, mills and irrigation systems. The country’s economic recovery is a welcome development, as this would mean more jobs and higher incomes. However, the economic gains could be dented by higher food prices caused by disruptions, such as power outages and more expensive electricity.
Concerned government agencies as well as the private sector are now looking at measures to prevent power outages. The hot dry season—when rice, onions and mangoes are harvested and people usually visit beaches and other local tourist spots—is just around the corner. It would do well for concerned state agencies to inform the people what measures are being done to minimize if not totally avoid power outages. The people need government reassurance so that they can stop worrying about brownouts during the hot summer months.