The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sought the assistance from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for the participation of private companies in the commission’s Interruptible Load Program (ILP).
The ILP aims to address imminent power interruptions and augment the limited power supply of distribution utilities (DUs) like the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO).
Under the program, “customers may enter into an agreement with their [DU] to voluntarily disconnect from the power grid for a limited period whenever the power supply is constricted,” ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said in a statement.
“The ILP also allows customers to operate their generating sets and collectively reduce electricity drawn from the grid when power interruptions are imminent,”she added.
The ERC established the rules for the ILP’s implementation in 2010 and were revised in 2019.
Companies that are willing to participate will be requested to reduce their demand for particular hours in a day when the power supply in the system is not sufficient.
Based on the Department of Energy’s power outlook, power supply may remain tight in the coming weeks, which may lead to Red and Yellow Alerts up to this July. The ERC said that activating the ILP is one of the immediate actions to mitigate the effects of expected supply deficiency.
“We seek the assistance and support of the PCCI to encourage their members, especially the commercial and industrial customers, to participate in the ILP to help augment the limited power supply considering the possible power interruptions in the coming months,” Devanadera said.
