Manila Electric Co. is seeking available capacity from several generating companies, including 150 megawatts from the Angat hydro power plant, to help secure power supply during the 20-day Malampaya gas field shutdown that begins today.
Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said Meralco also requested Panay Energy Development Corp. to deliver 70 MW starting January 28.
“Meralco wrote letters to various gencos requesting for available capacity for short-term (20 day) contract. The 150-MW offer from San Roque/Angat is already undergoing CSP (competitive selection process),” Fuentebella said.
Meralco filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission an application for the interim power supply agreement with Strategic Power Development Corp., operator of the San Roque hydro power plant.
Fuentebella said Shell Philippines Exploration B.V, operator of the Malampaya gas project in northwest Palawan, was ready to start its maintenance shutdown.
He said the onshore Malampaya facility, plant and pipeline to Ilijan and First Gen would be repaired during the 20-day maintenance,
“All major materials already arrived and other materials are being delivered,” the official said.
Fuentebella said that First Gen Corp.’s Avion power plant would also operate during the Malampaya shutdown but would run on liquid fuel to supply 76 MW.
He said the Malaya power plant would be tapped on selected dates to avert yellow and red alert notices.
He said Luzon would be planced on yellow alert notice on February 8 to 10, despite the contribution of the Malaya power plant and the increase in capacity of the Caliraya power plant.
Fuentebella said the Malaya power plant had enough fuel to run for 18 days with additional delivery scheduled in the first week of February.