The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has secured commitment for additional de-loading capacity under the interruptible load program (ILP) as the company ramps up efforts to ensure stable and reliable electricity service during the dry months.
Meralco is set to gain an additional 56 megawatts (MW) of de-loading capacity, as pledged by Ayala Property Management Corp. and would bring the real estate firm’s total commitment to 144 MW from 88 MW.
The additional pledged capacity also expands Meralco’s overall ILP capacity to 616 MW from the current 560 MW.
Under the ILP, customers with large electricity consumption are encouraged to run their own generator sets whenever supply of electricity in the grid is short in exchange for monetary incentives.
The fuel they use in running their own power source is then paid by consumers.
Amid the development, Meralco renewed its call for more companies to join the ILP to help avert possible power interruptions, especially in upcoming dry months when electricity demand traditionally spikes.
At present, 117 companies across the Meralco franchise area form part of the ILP.
“Electricity consumption historically rises during the dry months because of the increased use of cooling appliances. That’s why we, in Meralco, continue to share a wealth of energy efficiency tips, not only to help our customers better manage their power consumption but also to encourage its adoption as a way of life,” said Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco spokesperson and first vice president for corporate communications, in a recent webinar.
Meralco said it continues to coordinate with the Department of Energy and other stakeholders to assure its 7.6 million customers the delivery of sufficient, reliable and stable electricity service not just during the summer months but all-year long.
