The ongoing brownouts affecting all 11 towns since June 4, 2024 are caused by the low water level at the two hydroelectric power plants and the recent shutdown of four diesel gensets of the Sunwest Water & Electric Co. (SUWECO).
However, only two of the defective gensets remain off the grid, an updated report shows.
According to information gathered by the Tribune, the low water levels at the Hitoma Hydroelectric Power Plant in Caramoran and the Solong HHP in San Miguel have been persisting since the start of the dry season.
At Solong HPP, which has a dependable capacity of 2,100 kilowatts, only one of the two units are running with an actual generation of 100 kilowatts only from 8 AM to 12 NN and 6 PM to 10 PM.
On the other hand, the Hitoma HPP, with a dependable capacity of 1,500 kW, only one of the three units is being run 24/7 with an hourly production of just 200 kW.
While the Viga Diesel Power Plant’s three gensets are running at full capacity of 2,700 kW, the Marinawa DPP in Bato is producing just 12,150 kW despite the addition of four new gensets with a capacity of 850 kW each.
Two of the Marinawa DPP’s total 16 gensets are under repair: Unit 4 is undergoing major overhauling of its engine while Unit 15’s radiator is being replaced.
Of SUWECO’s total plant capacity of 18,500 kW, it is currently supplying 15,050 kW as of June 8, 2024, compared to the demand of 14,900 kW.
The thin reserve of just 150 kW is forcing SUWECO and the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) to resort to load shedding until Sunday, June 9, and possibly until this week until the defective gensets are repaired.
The cooperative conducted an emergency coordination meeting with its lone power provider to discuss the recurring pressing issue of power deficiency in the grid caused by the non-operational diesel gensets and low water levels of hydro power plants.
The brownouts have affected all 11 towns, with the rotating power interruptions lasting from five to eight hours daily.