Meralco eyes CSP for 180MW supply

BY LENIE LECTURA – JANUARY 12, 2022
from Business Mirror

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) is planning to conduct another competitive auction soon should the Department of Energy (DOE) approve the terms of reference (TOR) for the supply of 180 megawatts (MW).

Meralco utility economics head Lawrence Fernandez said the proposed contract period for the additional 180MW of baseload capacity is February 26, 2022 to July 25, 2022, or for five months.

The additional capacity, he said, will help Meralco ensure availability of reliable and cost-competitive supply, which is especially critical during the 2022 dry months and the upcoming National and Local Elections.

“We’ve been preparing for this CSP for additional supply. There is one ongoing bidding 170MW peaking capacity. Proposed another bidding, 180MW baseload, to meet the baseload requirements because of the reduction of supply in Malampaya gas. We are waiting for the DOE’s response for the TOR for this baseload capacity,” said Fernandez. Meralco has received interests from power firms to participate in the competitive auction for the supply of 170MW.

“The TPBAC (Third-Party Bids and Awards Committee) received expressions of interest from three interested bidders. The aggregate offered capacity totaled 270MW,” said Fernandez.

The identities of the interested bidders were not divulged.

The power supply contract will cover the period February 26, 2022 to July 25, 2022.