Department of Energy Boosts Preparations for La Niña to Safeguard Philippine Power Grid

Quezon City – As the La Niña climate phenomenon approaches, the Department of Energy (DOE) is ramping up efforts to protect the Philippines’ power infrastructure from potential weather-related disruptions. These preparations are focused on minimizing damage to crucial transmission lines and ensuring the stability of the nation’s energy supply.

According to Philippines News Agency, speaking at a news forum on Saturday, the DOE is actively developing contingency plans. “We are now preparing for La Niña because once it occurs and combines with the rainy season, there would be an excess of water, which could impact our transmission lines and distribution utilities,” Marasigan explained. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding these facilities to prevent any adverse effects on power distribution across the country.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also assured that the administration is taking all necessary steps to prepare for the impending La Niña. Currently, Marasigan reported that the power supply is stable with no alert levels being imposed, which indicates a sufficient supply of electricity. This stability comes despite recent challenges posed by the El Niño phenomenon and broader issues related to climate change.

Furthermore, Marasigan detailed a recent situation where a red alert was issued due to the impact of climate change and El Niño on hydro-powered plants, which are vital for the country’s electricity. “Affected power plants could not fully resume as operators extended preventive maintenance,” he noted. He also highlighted an instance on April 24, where power generation in Luzon exceeded projections due to decreased hydroelectric output, as water was preserved for irrigation and domestic use amidst low rainfall levels.

The DOE is enhancing its monitoring of the power grid and improving communication with power plant operators. Marasigan also mentioned the use of social media platforms to gather and disseminate information efficiently, ensuring that the public remains informed about the energy sector’s status. He reassured that no manual reduction or dropping of the red alert status is anticipated in the near future.