The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced that rotational blackouts or intermittent brownouts may continue in the country this year due to the threat of El Niño. According to the DOE, Luzon and Visayas may experience yellow and red alerts in the coming months, which could affect electricity rates in June.
Expected Alerts by Region
In Luzon, one more yellow alert is expected, while in Visayas and Mindanao, seven and six yellow alerts are anticipated, respectively. In Visayas, six red alerts are possible during peak evening hours.
Understanding Alert Levels
Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella explained that a yellow alert indicates low power reserves, while a red alert means supply is insufficient to meet consumer demand. Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara added that these alert levels could lead to higher electricity charges.
Government Actions
The government is currently strengthening major power lines and coordinating with power generation companies to restore supply to the grid, according to Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro.
