ILOILO City — Power distributors across Western Visayas have intensified calls for consumers to reduce electricity consumption as soaring summer temperatures continue to push power demand higher and trigger repeated “yellow alerts” in the Visayas grid, particularly during afternoon and evening peak hours.
A “yellow alert” means that the power reserves in the electrical grid are thin. While there is still enough available supply to meet current consumer demand, the operating margin has dropped below the required safety level.
Electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Iloilo, Antique, and Guimaras warned that unchecked electricity use amid the extreme heat could further strain the region’s power supply, prompting aggressive energy conservation campaigns focused on reducing household consumption and promoting energy-efficient appliances.
Yesterday, May 19, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced a “yellow alert” from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Visayas grid’s available capacity was at 2,691 megawatts (MW), but peak demand was expected to reach 2,594 MW.
MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power), which supplies electricity to Iloilo City and several major establishments in Pavia town, said it has stepped up information drives to help households cope with rising electricity usage during the summer season.
MORE Power spokesperson Angel Tan said the company continues to remind consumers to monitor their electricity consumption and adopt energy-saving habits.
Among the measures being promoted by MORE Power are unplugging unused appliances to avoid “phantom energy” consumption, shifting to LED bulbs, using energy-efficient appliances, and maximizing the MORE Power App, which includes an appliance calculator and electricity usage graph.
Tan also urged residents to closely monitor appliance usage during peak hours and report illegal power connections, which authorities identified as among the causes of fires and excessive electricity consumption.
Meanwhile, Iloilo I Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ILECO I) said electricity demand has significantly increased due to the summer heat, with peak-hour demand now reaching 70 to 75 megawatts compared to the normal average of 60 megawatts.
ILECO I serves 15 municipalities in the southwestern and central parts of the province of Iloilo. These are Alimodian, Cabatuan, Guimbal, Igbaras, Leganes, Leon, Maasin, Miag-ao, Oton, Pavia, San Joaquin, San Miguel, Sta. Barbara, Tigbauan, and Tubungan.
ILECO I Technical Services Department Manager Engr. GC June Garanchon said consumers should manage appliance use during peak hours, particularly from 10 a.m., 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., when air-conditioning units and other high-load appliances are heavily used.
“Ang deficit kis-a is during peaking or certain hours. So, gina-remind namon ang konsumidor nga kun puede naton ma-manage ang paggamit sang load naton,” Garanchon said in an interview with Panay News.
He explained that consumers can help reduce pressure on the grid by shifting appliance use to off-peak hours.
“Dapat i-change naton ang paggamit in terms of time. During off peak naman para at least ang mataas nga demand mabuhinan,” he added.
Garanchon also urged consumers to set air-conditioners between 22°C and 24°C and gradually transition from conventional fluorescent lighting to LED systems and energy-efficient appliances.
Antique Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ANTECO) likewise released energy-saving reminders, encouraging consumers to carpool or commute to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, choose appliances with energy-efficiency labels, and maximize natural lighting during daytime hours.
ANTECO serves the entire province of Antique. Its franchise area encompasses all 18 municipalities of the province – San Jose de Buenavista, Sibalom, San Remigio, Hamtic, Belison, Tobias Fornier (formerly Dao), Anini-y, Patnongon, Bugasong, Laua-an, Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan, Libertad, Valderrama, and the island municipality of Caluya.
In northern Iloilo, the Iloilo III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ILECO III) also launched an energy conservation campaign in response to the ongoing global oil crisis and the Department of Energy’s (DOE) call for power conservation.
“In response to the global oil crisis and the DOE’s call for energy conservation, ILECO III is here to help you manage your electricity and fuel costs. Small changes in our daily habits lead to big savings for our families,” ILECO III said in a statement.
ILECO III provides electricity services to the northern and eastern parts of Iloilo, specifically the towns of Sara, Lemery, Ajuy, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Balasan, Estancia, Batad, Carles, Barotac Viejo, San Rafael, Anilao, and Banate.
The cooperative advised consumers to keep air-conditioners at 24°C, unplug unused appliances, and consolidate trips to save fuel.
“Together, we can achieve the goal of a 10% reduction in consumption to ensure energy security for all,” ILECO III added.
Guimaras Electric Cooperative (GUIMELCO) also issued advisories promoting energy-efficient appliances, unplugging unused gadgets at night, and avoiding the use of extension cords for high-wattage appliances such as microwaves and irons.
GUIMELCO services the island-province of Guimaras made up of the municipalities of Jordan, Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag./PN
