Philippine government agency sees end to Mindanao blackouts

Mindanao Development Authority, however, says solution will be costly and temporary.

Mindanao island in southern Philippines currently has a deficit of 300 megawatts due to the rehabilitation of power plants and hydro-power facilities in the provinces of Bukidnon and Lanao.

MDA Chairman Luwalhati Antonino said at least three oil-fired generators will be commissioned beginning April to restore a semblance of continuous power.

She said that the power situation will improve in April when the Iligan diesel power plant starts to operate with an initial output of 20MW.

She said two other power plants, the 15MW Mapalad diesel power plant and the 15MW Peaking, will add 30MW of additional power to Mindanao when they start running.

A government source said MDA’s solution could prove to be expensive for consumers because of high petroleum prices.

Household consumers currently pay about US$0.147 per KWh but this could increase to US$0.245 per KWh because of the use of the oil-fired power plants.