(CNN Philippines) — Prepare for possible blackouts.
A looming power shortage threatens the Philippines this year, with no less than Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla warning the public of a “possibility of experiencing blackouts at any given time, any time of the year.”
In a phone interview with CNN Philippines anchor Amelyn Veloso on Sunday (April 5), Petilla, however, said that the power shortage in the country is only a possibility as that is simply “the situation of power.”
The government and energy corporations have been preparing since 2014 for the looming power shortage, especially this summer when the demand for electricity is at its highest.
Petilla said that as far as government knows, the blackouts are caused by forced outages.
The Energy chief, however, said they cannot advise the public in advance as to when exactly a blackout will occur since it all depends on the reserves.
Petilla reiterated that the shortfall is in the power reserves and not the supply – to be used in case of sudden shutdowns of power plants.
“It is not as if there is a forecasted deficiency already; it is actually a deficiency in reserves,” Petilla said.
Related: Looming power shortage caused by lack of reserves
Back-up power is critical when demand exceeds supply.
As for Mindanao, which is not connected to the power grid, Petilla said the water level in hydroplants are drastically going down but, according to him, is not a cause for alarm as a brand new commercial plant will be supplying power to Mindanao starting April 15.
Related: Officials find lead in Mindanao Easter blackout
