The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is seeking approval from the Department of Energy (DOE) of the conduct of another competitive selection process (CSP) for 180 megawatts (MW) baseload sources for the summer season.
Lawrence Fernandez, Meralco vice president and head of utility economics department, said in a briefing earlier this week the company is waiting for the DOE to approve the CSP’s terms of reference.
“This is to meet the baseload requirements affected by the reduction in the supply of Malampaya gas as has been experienced considerably in 2021 and is expected to persist this 2022,” Fernandez said.
He added the proposed contract period is from February 26 to July 25 this year from baseload sources or power plants that can provide electricity 24×7.
Earlier, Meralco enjoined generation companies to join its CSP for the supply of 170 MW of electricity from peaking power also needed for the summer months.
Based on the peaking CSP’s official bid invitation, the power supply needed should have 100-percent guaranteed availability for 12 hours daily to cover the peak hours of Meralco from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
More than one supplier can also win the 170 MW CSP but minimum offered contract capacity per bidder was set at 50 MW.
Meralco said based on initial forecast, peak demand in the Luzon grid this year might reach 12,387 MW expected to occur sometime in May subject to changes especially with the possible effects of the resurgence of the new coronavirus disease 2019 in the country.
Last year, Luzon grid’s peak demand was at 11,640 MW.
