A tight power supply situation in Mindanao prompted the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to place the island’s power grid under Red Alert on Thursday, as available generation fell short of projected peak demand.
The Red Alert was in effect from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., with NGCP reporting only 2,480 megawatts (MW) of available capacity against a projected peak demand of 2,546 MW—a 66-MW deficit during the grid’s peak period.
The Mindanao grid was also placed under Yellow Alert from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.
NGCP said the shortage was partly driven by the unavailability of major generating units, including GNPower Kauswagan Units 1 and 2 and Therma South Inc. Unit 2.
As of September 3, six generating plants were on forced outage. NGCP also reported that 12 plants had been unavailable since August, four since July, one since June, two since January, one since 2025, and another since 2024.
Seven additional plants were operating at reduced capacities, resulting in a total of 841.6 MW in unavailable capacity for the Mindanao grid.
A Red Alert is declared when available generation is insufficient to meet system demand and regulating requirements. A Yellow Alert is issued when available capacity falls below the grid’s required contingency reserve.
With the supply situation remaining tight, Davao Light and Power Company said it has activated measures to manage electricity demand and minimize the impact on its customers.
The utility said customers may experience power interruptions as part of these measures, although the need for such interventions could lessen if generation supply improves or demand remains within manageable levels.
Davao Light also urged consumers to conserve electricity, particularly during peak demand periods, to help reduce pressure on the grid.
NGCP Government Relations and Regional Affairs Officer Bambi Capulong underscored the importance of consumer participation in managing demand during periods of limited supply.
“That’s why it is also crucial for every consumer to conserve energy para pag peak hours, naa pa tay enough power magamit. Collectively, it will have a big impact,” Capulong said.
Davao Light said it will continue monitoring developments in the Mindanao grid and will issue additional advisories if power interruptions become necessary.
Customers are also encouraged to follow the utility’s official communication channels for updates and to practice energy conservation, especially during peak hours.
