Surge in investments, spike in power demand

THE AboitizPower-owned Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. is experiencing a high demand for electricity because of the sudden surge in investments in Davao City and neighboring DLPC franchise areas in Panabo City and some towns in Davao del Norte.
This was bared by Arturo M. Milan, DLPC senior executive vice president and chief operating officer, during a presentation before three dozens of business executives, captains of industry, top professionals and expats who are members of the Rotary Club of East Davao at Marco Polo Davao Tuesday noon.
To illustrate his point, Milan said kilowatthour growth in his firm’s franchise area was 8 percent in 2014, 8 percent in 2015 and in 2016, this is projected to grow by 12 percent.
“Supply from the (national) grid will continue to be tight,” Milan said as he reported that this is is due to low water levels now “nearing zero.”
“Bombing of towers further contributes to the tightness of supply,” the DLPC head said.
He said rotating brownouts of 30 minutes to 1.5 hours will continue until end of April.
However, the lengths of the brownouts will extend if any of the operating units will go on shutdown, he said.
Milan said that additional contracted supply of DLPC will come starting May of 50 megawatts and August of 80MW.
“Supply is expected to normalize in the second half of the year when the rain will come and the new capacities from San Miguel and Filinvest will start commercial operation,” he said.
Members of RC East Davao headed by Dr. Oscar Escudero said they were satisfied with the enlightening talk of Milan on the real power situation in Davao City and also Mindanao.
“Talk was informative and timely,” texted past president Oscar Paras, who delivered the response to Milan’s presentation which was followed by an open forum. He said “:nobody left or complained even if the meeting went beyond 2pm.”
“I think he properly explained the current situation,” insurance executive Jim Sabino said of Milan’s speech.
“It’s quite clear that the cause of the brownouts is from the generation and transmission phases, not from the distribution phase,” Sabino said, adding that “he (Milan) gave us hope that in the coming months the situation will improve.”
“He also gave possible long term solutions to address the current power crisis, “ Sabino said.
Rotarian Apollo Alquiza, a retired vice president of Banco de Oro, said “his presentation was very good and very detailed. He had explained clearly why the supply was short and the reasons behind the increasing demand of power due to the vast improvement of the economy of Davao.”
Rotarian Alvin Pinpin who heads the SGV accounting firm in Davao and General Santos said that Milan’s presentation was convincing.
He said the condition can even get worse if the threat of tower bombings is not managed.
“Generation is already a problem; no short term solution on the effect of drought. At the least, let’s ensure transmission is secured so that it will not contribute to the problem in generation,” Pinpin said.
“We need to address the issue of planning for the future of our power requirements. This is very vital in the growth of our economy,” past president Ronald Go said. ANTONIO M. AJERO