DOE on high alert to ensure power supply during elections
FILE PHOTO: Department of Energy (DOE) facade. Images from DOE / INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is on high alert to ensure the continuous supply of electricity nationwide for this year’s elections.
The DOE on Sunday said its energy task force election (ETFE) would operate on a 24/7 basis starting on Sunday, May 11, “to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process by proactively preventing power disruptions during and after the polls.”
“The Task Force is mandated to ensure seamless coordination of preemptive measures and rapid response protocols to support an uninterrupted and secure power supply throughout the election period,” it added.
The ETFE consists of key government energy agencies, the private transmission concessionaire, generation companies, distribution utilities, and other relevant institutions.
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Moreover, DOE said the task force activated contingency protocols, completed nationwide readiness assessments, and confirmed the availability of sufficient power reserves.
“Central to these preparations is the full activation of command centers across the energy sector, including those of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Electrification Administration, Manila Electric Company, and the DOE’s own Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center,” it added.
According to the agency, the command centers will operate nonstop until May 13.
The centers have real-time monitoring systems and analytic capabilities so the agency would “detect grid vulnerabilities and enable swift deployment of technical teams in the event of any power-related incident,” it added.
The DOE also urged the public to report power-related incidents, issues, or service interruptions ahead of the polls.
“Timely and accurate reporting enables swift intervention, minimizes the risk of prolonged outages, and supports the overall stability and resilience of the energy sector. For any assistance, the public is advised to contact their respective local distribution utilities,” it said.
