AVP and Resident Manager Judy C. Sanchez presented the power situation outlook for 2015 at the Session Hall of Sangguniang Panlungsod, Cotabato City
Cotabato Light AVP and Resident Manager Judy C. Sanchez briefed members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) during its regular session October 21 at the S.P. Session Hall, City Legislative Building on the power supply situation for 2015.
The presentation was in response to the invitation of Hon. Florante L. Formento, city councilor and chairman on Committee on utilities and Energy, following report of an
impeding power crisis in Luzon, which has prompted President Benigno Aquino 111 to ask the Senate and House of representatives to grant him emergency powers under Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
In his presentation, Sanchez shared the suppl-demand outlook in Mindanao – what to expect in 2015.
Therma South Inc. (TSI) 300MW Coal-Fired Power Plant is expected to become operational by the end of the 1st quarter next year, on March 2015, supplying 150MW. Sarangani Energy Corporation's 200MW Coal Fired Power Station is expected to become operational by the third quarter of next year, supplying 100MW, while San Miguel Consolidated Davao Power Plant in Malita is expected to become operational by the end of 2015, supplying 150MW. Overall there will be a substantial capacity of more than 400MW coming in starting next year, which will help ease the power crisis in Mindanao.
“More businesses are coming in Cotabato. As a result, growth is expected to increase in demand of around 1.5 in Cotabato Light franchise area,” Sanchez said.
Cotabato Light and Power Company's contract with National Power Corporation is 25MW but actual allocation given is just equivalent to the load forecast nominated. At times load allocation is even lower than the submitted load forecast. Cotabato Light also contracted 5MW of additional capacity from Therma South Inc. starting March 2015. The stand-by power plant can supply of 5.5MW when needed.
Under normal condition, Sultan Kudarat Substation is served through Kibawie Substation. How ever, when the 138k line is on outage or under preventive maintenace, Taurong Substation can accommodate the loads of Sultan Kudarat Substation via the 102 km Tacurong-Cotabato-Sultan Kudarat 69kV line with limited capacity. Hence, some of the electricity end users have experienced frequent low voltage due to relatively long transmission lines, which is further aggravated by limited power generation in the area.
Cotabato Light & Power Co. is appealing to the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass a resolution on the proposed transmission projects for Mindanao, the Tacurong- Sultan Kudarat 138kV T/L covering South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat to help ease the low voltage.