The Energy Regulatory Commission said the 2019 novel coronavirus scare affected the schedule of site inspections for permitting requirements.
“We have schedules, but we need to be concerned over the effects of Ncov because everybody is concerned about that. So, in areas where the government has identified that there is a possibility of the spread of the virus, we can, to our level”•defer the inspection until better times but it does not mean that these plants will not be able to go online considering the acute supply,” ERC chairperson Agnes Devanadera said.
The Luzon grid is facing possible red alerts in several weeks in April and May as the grid needs 256 megawatts to 821 MW to prevent red and yellow alerts, based on the Energy Department’s 2020 Power Outlook.
“Now, we can see that the coronavirus is affecting the movements of people especially. Even trainings that we’re supposed to send our people to, is being put on hold. At least for the first quarter, we will not send people for trainings abroad,” Devanadera said.
“Eventually, on-site hearings may also be affected by this health scare,” she said.