Power retailer Manila Electric Co. will need about 300 to 350 megawatts additional capacity to meet the projected increase in electricity demand in its franchise area, its top executive said Thursday.
Meralco president Oscar Reyes said the company was looking at two possible coal suppliers to meet the anticipated increase in demand.
Luzon’s peak power demand is seen to reach 11,200 MW in May next year, up from 10,800 MW this year, according to the Energy Department.
“No talks yet. We may need it by April,” Reyes said, adding that discussions could commence early next year.
Meralco sources its supply from its power supply agreements, independent power producers and the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market, the country’s trading floor of electricity.
Meralco supplies power to 6.5 million customers in its franchise area which covers 36 cities and 75 municipalities, including Metro Manila.