Relief from the current power situation in Panay is on the horizon, with the completion of the Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) transmission upgrade by the end of March. Concurrently, the regular maintenance shutdown of Palm Concepcion Power Corporation (PCPC) is set to conclude by the same deadline.

The Department of Energy (DOE) stresses the importance of collaboration among generators, distribution utilities, and the system operator to ensure grid stability and swift recovery from any power disruptions.

As we await the transmission upgrade and PCPC maintenance completion, it is advised for the public to conserve energy, particularly throughout March.

Panay Island’s power supply relies on four large coal power plants totaling 451 megawatts (MW) and nine smaller diesel/bunker and renewable energy sources with a combined capacity of 220.3 MW.

Notably, Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) operates three units, while PCPC operates one unit among the large coal plants. Additionally, a submarine cable allows for 180 MW transfer from Negros to Panay. The island’s total demand remains below 400 MW.

Presently, PCPC is undergoing scheduled maintenance until March 30, 2024. Recently, on March 1, 2024, at 6:59 PM, all three PEDC units experienced a shutdown, causing a partial blackout in Panay and parts of Negros.

Initially, around 80 MW was supplied from Negros via the submarine cable before being covered by smaller local plants. The PEDC units gradually came back online by March 2, 2024.

Immediate measures like utilizing a contingency reserve from large coal plants are being implemented by the System Operator. Long-term strategies include activating renewable and conventional power plants and completing transmission projects to support power generation and load center growth. Stay tuned for further updates as Panay’s power infrastructure evolves for enhanced reliability and sustainability.