Fayette C. Riñen
CEBU, June 19 (PIA) -- Electric bill may shoot up these days with
more power use due to the harsh humidity largely brought about by the El Niño
as households are still urged to be conscious about their electricity
consumption to save on cost.
Department of Energy - Visayas Field Office (DOE-VFO) Energy
Industry Management Bureau chief Engr. Saul Gonzales said, it is a
normal reaction for people to cool themselves amid the very humid heat as the
massive use of air conditioning units and electric fans is expected.
“But still, we must be conscious on our electric consumption
because we might just get shock when we pay our bill,” said Gonzales.
Gonzales urged the public to exercise energy conversation measures
like using LED lights, buying energy-efficient appliances with yellow label,
turning off lights and unplugging appliances when not in use are simple
household ways to adopt.
“Even with the El Niño, our energy conservation campaign continues
and we are even going from school to school,” to let the people understand the
importance of energy efficiency, said Gonzales adding that energy conservation
is also tantamount to reducing power demand.
Gonzales said last Monday night the power reserve in Cebu was
recorded at -105MW based on the report of the National Grid Corporation of the
Philippines (NGCP). He cited the available supply was at 643.5 MW but the
demand that day reached 748 MW.
“But this does not mean we do not have available power supply.
It’s just that our power reserve was reduced to a critical level,” said
Gonzales explaining that there are levels of power reserves that need to be put
aside in case of emergency.
Gonzales said the projection towards the end of the year is that
power use will be more excessive and the power reserve will further be
diminished to a critical point.
Combined factors seen to contribute to the projected hike of power
consumption due to rise in energy demand are increased economic activities,
population growth and the El Niño, said Gonzales.
“But we need not worry, as early next year there will be
additional power plants in Cebu that will be commissioned,” said Gonzales which
will be a mixture of coal-fired power plants and renewable sources.
(mbcn/fcr/PIA7)
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See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1061434700342/doe-visayas-calls-for-energy-conservation-despite-el-ni-o#sthash.00mL1tQj.dpuf