Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 26) — The Department of Energy (DOE) on Thursday assured the public there is a sufficient supply of electricity across the country during the conduct of the Oct. 30 local polls, even if there is a possible yellow alert in Luzon next week.
\”The demand forecast in Luzon for the week of elections is at 12,257 MW (megawatts),\” the DOE said in a statement. \”However, the current demand is only 10,500 MW to 11,500 MW, where electricity consumptions during the fourth quarter period is generally lower. With this, we have a buffer of at least 700 MW.\”
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said preparations were made to ensure enough power in days \”leading up to, during, and in the immediate conduct of the elections.\”
Oct. 30 has been declared a holiday, and power demand is also expected to be low since factories, offices, and schools will be closed .
The DOE said its Energy Task Force Election has been told early on to coordinate with generating firms and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) as there are two potential yellow alerts — meaning power reserves fall below ideal levels — in Luzon for this week and next.
\”The NGCP was likewise directed to utilize the High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) and the Mindanao Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP) during peak hours to balance the power supply and demand system of the grid,\” it also said.
The Visayas and Mindanao grids are not expected to experience any alerts, it added.
The department said the task force instructed power distributors to deploy special and emergency line crews to check distribution lines for any obstructions, especially within polling places and canvassing centers. These crews should be on standby also during election day proper, it added.
Commission on Elections chairperson George Garcia said the proclamation of BSKE winners will be around 9 p.m. during election day, but in areas with automated elections, the proclamation will begin earlier at 6 p.m.
RELATED: Majority of BSKE winners to assume office after proclamation – Comelec
Garcia previously said that automated village and youth polls will be held in two barangays in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and in Pasong Tamo in Quezon City.
