Recto revives proposal to link Mindanao power system to Luzon-Visayas grid

Sen. Ralph Recto INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Only by connecting Mindanao to the Luzon-Visayas power grid could the Philippines solve its on-and-off problem of electricity shortage in Mindanao, a member of the Senate energy committee said on Sunday.

Sen. Ralph Recto, also a former director general of the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda), noted that the Luzon-Visayas power grid had excess power that could be diverted to Mindanao if the southern island were part of the network.

Recto echoed observations that Mindanao remained dependent on hydroelectric power, which has been at the mercy of the weather. Little or no rainfall would be disastrous to hydropower plants dependent on the waterways on the island.

By contrast, the power plants in Luzon and the Visayas are mostly powered by coal or natural gas, ensuring stable power supply, regardless of the weather, according to Recto.

“I have been airing this suggestion ever since I headed Neda,” said Recto, who was chief of the planning agency in the Arroyo administration.

“Why no one listened to me, I don’t know.  Maybe it’s time (officials) took a look at this proposal,” he said.

Energy experts have said Mindanao would need at least an additional 100 megawatts of power. Many areas are experiencing eight-hour brownouts as a result of the shortage.

Growing demand resulting from an increasing population has been blamed for the power deficit, among other reasons.