Power co-ops told to back TransCo as off-grid system operator

By Jordeene B. Lagare – March 5, 2021
from The Manila Times

Electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide are enjoined to ensure the smooth transition of their system operator functions to the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo). In a recent memorandum, the Department of Energy (DoE) designated the state-run company “to “serve as an off-grid system operator to any small grid or off-grid power system with more than one source of power supply.” As a follow-through on the memorandum, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) mandated the country’s 121 power cooperatives to extend their “utmost cooperation and support” to TransCo. The designation of TransCo as an off-grid system operator is in accordance with mandates under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, as well as its implementing rules and regulations, according to the DoE. The memorandum does not cover franchised distribution utility in other off-grid areas, which means those with only one power supplier are still authorized to perform as off-grid system operator, subject to existing rules and regulations.