Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 9) — Consumers should conserve energy as prices and demand are expected to rise in the coming months, the Department of Energy said on Monday.
Energy Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella said simple behavioural changes and opting for energy-efficient appliances are ways to avoid bill shock.
“Minsan ₱800 per month ang natitipid sa pag-adjust lamang ng thermostat from 22 degrees to 24 degrees sa ating mga aircon at paggamit ng bintilador mas nakakatulong kaysa mag-aircon,” he said.
[Translation: Sometimes you can save ₱800 per month just by increasing the thermostat of the aircon from 22 degrees to 24 degrees and using the electric fan.]
The energy official said the demand side can be managed through wise use of power as supply may become tight.
Based on the agency’s supply and demand outlook for 2023, the Luzon grid could be under yellow alert for the whole of May, and some weeks of March, April, June, September, October, and until November.
Energy Undersecretary Rowena Guevara unexpected power plant breakdowns could impact supply.
“Sana wala tayong sudden outage because let’s say one plant na biglang nasira, magkaka-red alert tayo nun,” she said.
[Translation: I hope there is no sudden outage. If one plant bogs down, we have to go on red alert.]
A yellow alert means power reserves are not enough to cover the highest running generating unit for a certain period. It can escalate to a red alert if lack of power worsens amid high demand, which can lead to rotating power interruptions.
The DOE said managing power demand should be a characteristic or habit.
“Hindi dapat tignan ang demand side management na parang panakip butas lang. Dapat ito ay nagiging natural element or embedded already in our entire management system,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
[Translation: The demand management should not be treated as a stop-gap measure. It should become a natural element or embedded in our entire management system.]
