Prioritize operation of hydropower plants in Luzon—energy chief

Ambuklao Dam, one of the first hydroelectric plant built in the country, has been revived after a 12-year hiatus by SN Sboitiz Power. The plant is now earning carbon credits along with neighboring Binga Dam. EV ESPIRITU/INQUIRER

MANILA, Philippines – Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras has directed the National Grid Corp. to prioritize the operation of hydropower facilities in Luzon, a day after Typhoon “Pedring” damaged power lines with its strong winds.

Almendras issued the order in a circular effected by virtue of Section 9 of the Epira Law.

The hydropower plants were designated as must-run facilities to bring down water levels in dams in Luzon, which had threatened to spill over following heavy rains spawned by Pedring and to prepare for storms that the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has predicted would hit the country over the next few days, Almendras said.