The Department of Energy (DoE) has attributed the recent yellow alert issued in Luzon to an unexpected surge in electricity consumption, driven by high temperatures.

A yellow alert indicates that the power supply can still meet the demand, but a brownout is possible when a power plant breaks down.

In a televised interview on 6 March, DoE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan clarified that the alert, issued by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, was not due to a shortage of supply but a result of sustained high power demand throughout the day.

“This is a projection made by our market operator and system operator, where we were able to sustain our high consumption of electricity from morning to afternoon,” Marasigan explained.

He added that the power consumption usually peaks in the afternoon and decreases in the evening, but the demand remained elevated the same day.

Marasigan noted that a similar trend was observed earlier in the week. On 4 March, the highest electricity consumption of the year was recorded, reaching a peak of 11,990 megawatts.

“That’s in Luzon and in Visayas. We also recorded the highest peak demand for the year, with a magnitude of 2,386.”

With the upcoming Senate elections in May, the DoE is working to ease the strain on the power grid. The DoE assistant secretary stated that the agency has already convened the Energy Task Force on Elections and Energy Resiliency, coordinating with the Commission on Elections and other government agencies to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

“We have started conducting inspections at key sites to make sure there is a continuous electricity supply, even if unexpected issues arise in the system,” Marasigan said.

Contingency measures include deploying solar floodlights, and utilizing backup generators in case of supply disruptions in remote areas. Power plants are also prohibited from conducting maintenance and repairs one week before and after the elections to prevent further instability.

Despite the rising consumption, the DoE maintains that large-scale blackouts are unlikely. However, Marasigan warned that electricity prices could increase as the growing demand forces power plants to use more expensive fuel sources. The DoE urges the public to avoid unnecessary electricity use.

Travelers warned

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines yesterday cautioned travelers to stay hydrated and cool as temperatures continue to rise since the dry season in the country begins.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration calculated a five-day heat index from 28 February to 3 March, and according to that index, temperatures at several airport locations have increased to between 42 and 45 degrees Celsius. Isabela, Virac, Masbate, Cagayan and Tuguegarao City are among the impacted places.