The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) to resume the operations of the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM) in the Visayas grid following the restoration of power services in the region.
The ERC said power generators and distributors in the region were re-allowed to buy and sell electricity in the WESM starting January 17 as loading level in Visayas outside Bohol has improved.
The suspension of WESM operations in Visayas at the height of power supply problems in the region shielded customers from a possible hike in power rates.
“We have been closely monitoring and assessing the Visayas grid condition and upon assessment of the information gathered from the constant coordination with PEMC market operator and with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the Commission views that market operations in the Visayas Grid except Bohol are now ready to resume,” said Agnes Devanadera, ERC chairperson, in a statement.
The ERC suspended the operations of WESM in the Visayas grid last December 16 brought by the power system disturbance and over-generation of power against demand, due to the impact of Typhoon Odette
However, the ERC emphasized that Bohol continues to be disconnected from the rest of the grid and may experience possible generation deficiency since generation from other regions cannot be exported to the island. -Jed Macapagal
