Energy Secretary: "Can't guarantee no blackouts next year" — Red alerts forecast with El Niño

Energy Secretary: "Can't guarantee no blackouts next year" — Red alerts forecast with El Niño

📌 Energy Secretary Sharon Garin of the Department of Energy (DOE) said at a briefing on Monday, November 9, that she cannot be confident the country can avoid brownouts next year. The latest supply outlook continues to show red alerts on the power grids, and a very strong El Niño could coincide with breakdowns at aging power plants.

■ What's changing
· According to BusinessMirror, the latest outlook shows the Luzon grid mostly under yellow and red alerts during the evening hours, with alerts also expected on the Visayas and Mindanao grids around the same time. A red alert means supply cannot meet demand and reserves, so rotating brownouts could occur.
· The DOE expects hydropower output to fall by at least 60% because of El Niño. Secretary Garin said she "can't guarantee" against unexpected plant shutdowns.
· According to Manila Bulletin, the Visayas grid has so far logged 131 yellow alerts and 53 red alerts, while Mindanao has recorded 19 yellow and 4 red. Peak demand in Luzon in 2027 is projected at 15,928 MW.

■ Government measures
· The government is drawing up a three-year contingency plan and plans to bring 253 MW of battery storage into the Visayas grid, including Cebu, Negros, and Panay (Manila Bulletin).
· The National Electrification Administration (NEA) was instructed to contract an additional 200 MW from power barges across the Visayas, and if power runs short, critical facilities such as hospitals, command centers, and evacuation centers will be supplied first (BusinessMirror).

■ Tips for residents and travelers
· Prepare portable batteries and emergency lights in case of evening rotating brownouts.
· Visayas areas such as Cebu have seen frequent alerts so far, so if you're staying long-term, check whether your accommodation has a backup generator.

■ Sources
Manila Bulletin (11/9), BusinessMirror (11/9)

■ Photo
· The Energy Secretary answering reporters' questions — Manila Bulletin