Pasig City, Philippines - Amid rising temperatures due to El Niño and subsequent surges in electricity demand, Manila Electric Company (Meralco) chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized the reliability of conventional power plants. At a media briefing held at Meralco's headquarters on Monday, Pangilinan stressed the necessity of building more such facilities to prevent potential extensive power shortages.
According to Philippines News Agency, the ongoing demand spikes have led to frequent yellow and red alerts in power grids across the Philippines, underscoring the urgent need for robust, conventional power solutions. These plants, primarily fueled by coal or gas, are seen as vital to maintaining grid stability amid extreme demand scenarios. This stance comes in the backdrop of a 2020 moratorium by the Department of Energy, which halted the development of new coal-fired power plants to reduce the nation’s coal dependency.
Further complicating the energy landscape, the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis last week projected that liquefied natural gas (LNG), though cleaner than coal, will continue to be an expensive option despite a global oversupply. Despite advancements in renewable energy technologies, Pangilinan pointed out their lower reliable output compared to conventional sources, particularly in peak demand periods.
Additionally, Meralco's first vice president and head of networks, Froilan Savet, revealed that the current peak electricity demand in Meralco-serviced areas has nearly reached the forecasted peak for 2026, highlighting the severe impact of rising temperatures on energy consumption. The company also noted a significant increase in energy sales for the first quarter of 2024, reflecting a broader trend of heightened energy usage during this period.