THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has asked the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) to participate in the Interruptible Load Program (ILP) to help augment the limited power supply of Distribution Utilities (DUs).
On Monday, the ERC said it has sought the assistance of PCCI to encourage its members to join in the program.
“The ILP is a scheme adopted by the Commission wherein customers may enter into an agreement with their DU to voluntarily disconnect from the power grid for a limited period whenever the power supply is constricted. The ILP also allows customers to operate their generating sets and collectively reduce electricity drawn from the grid when power interruptions are imminent,” said ERC Chairman Agnes VST Devanadera.
The ERC established the ILP rules in 2010 and subsequently amended the rules with the most recent revisions in 2019. Under the ILP, companies who are willing to participate will be requested to reduce their demand for particular hours in a day when the power supply in the system is not enough.
If and when PCCI agrees, the ERC said this will help address the supply deficiency projected in the coming weeks.
The Department of Energy (DOE) said there is a possibility of tight supply conditions resulting to yellow and red alerts in the upcoming weeks and one of the identified immediate action to mitigate the effects of the foreseen supply deficiency is the activation of the ILP.
“We seek the assistance and support of the PCCI to encourage their members, especially the commercial and industrial customers, to participate in the ILP to help augment the limited power supply considering the possible power interruptions in the coming months,” Devanadera added.