Thin power reserves seen in Oriental Mindoro

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — The Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) announced on Saturday (April 18) that power supply in the province is expected to meet demand for the day, but warned of thin reserves during peak hours that can affect grid stability.

In its day-ahead hourly forecast, ORMECO reported a steady available supply of 58.01 megawatts (MW) throughout the day.

However, projected demand is expected to exceed supply during peak periods.

Morning demand is forecast at 58.3 MW, resulting in a deficit of 0.29 MW.

The gap is expected to widen in the afternoon, with demand reaching 61.3 MW, or a deficit of 3.29 MW.

The largest shortfall is seen in the evening peak, when demand may hit 64.5 MW—about 6.45 MW higher than available supply.

Despite these projected deficits, ORMECO said overall power supply is expected to remain sufficient, although reserve margins could drop to critical levels during high-demand hours.

ORMECO warned that simultaneous high electricity consumption might affect system stability, particularly during peak periods in the afternoon and evening.

The cooperative urged consumers to limit the use of high-energy appliances such as air conditioners, flat irons, and water heaters during peak hours and to turn off non-essential lights and devices. /apl