DOE eyeing fluctuations in electricity demand
By Myrna M. Velasco – March 12, 2020
from Manila Bulletin
As most people are confined at their homes following the spread of coronavirus in Metro Manila, there is a manifesting shift in power consumption especially with the use of air-conditioning system that has been observed to be driving up electricity demand.
The virus hit is also being compounded by rising weather temperatures especially in recent days – but somehow tempered this week because of the sudden knock of drizzly weather.
On the COVID-anchored demand shift, Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said “we are monitoring,” but he qualified that data are still erratic and it would “need more analysis.”
The unfurling of the coronavirus disease had not been factored in as much yet when the Department of Energy (DOE) unveiled its Power Supply-Demand outlook for the summer months.
But given recent developments wherein roughly 50 cases had already been confirmed as of Wednesday, it was noted that there had been recasting on the people’s usage of energy.
And if the blustering panic of the people on the feared spread of the virus won’t abate in days or weeks, it was noted that this may warrant adjustments and re-evaluation of power supply-demand forecasts.
It is the first time that people’s movement has been turning immensely reticent, hence, the planning approach may also be adjusted.
The energy department is leading the power industry – not just on the planning milieu, but also in sorting out contingencies in case there are stresses that will be experienced in supply as well as service delivery in the sector.
The government has been intensifying its call on electricity consumers to advocate conservation and patronize energy efficiency in their usage, but given the strike of the scorching weather from March to June, this is an appeal that may turn largely unheeded.
Power distribution utility giant Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is also constantly conveying its “energy efficiency” tips to consumers – motivating them that this is one way to pare their electric bills.
These pointers include: unplugging appliances when not in use to avoid phantom load; using the aircon at mid-setting or at 25 degress Celsius for maximum efficiency; using a power board or strip which can supply power to several appliances at once and allows a user to conveniently turn them off simultaneously with just one switch; and maximizing natural light during daytime and keeping appliances well maintained to ensure optimal performance.
