THE VALLEY JOURNAL
TO ensure stable and reliable transmission services in the event of a major power disturbance or emergency, NGCP recently conducted its annual blackout simulation drill. As it did last year, the event was organized in a virtual setting as the grid operator fulfils its commitments amidst the social distancing protocols brought about by the current coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
NGCP’s System Operations personnel headed the annual exercise comprised of tabletop presentations and actual blackout simulation drills. Representatives from power generation companies, distribution utilities, and government agencies such as the Department of Energy, National Electrification Administration, and National Transmission Corporation participated in the virtual event.
The presentations for the area and regional control centers for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were done via video conferencing and the actual blackout simulation drills were conducted a week after the virtual meetings.
“By discussing our plans and procedures with key industry players, we will be able to improve the resiliency of the grid and ensure the continuous and unhampered transmission of power in the new normal,” stated NGCP.
“This annual exercise is critical as we need to be constantly prepared for any and all challenges the grid may face. The stability of the country’s power transmission rests on the expertise of our team, and our ability to navigate through critical incidents,” emphasized the company.
Workshops included blackout scenarios occurring in different areas of the country, power system blackout restoration guidelines, and the power restoration highways. This ensures that in case of any major power disturbance or blackout due to any calamity or emergency, NGCP’s regional and area control centers, as well as the power generators, know their specific roles in restoring power in their area of responsibility.
“In spite of the constraints necessary during this time of pandemic, the purpose of this blackout drill remains the same – to help us achieve the coordination and teamwork needed among all the players in the power industry, especially during significant incident scenarios which may affect grid operations, to keep our sector running smoothly no matter the circumstance,” NGCP said.
NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and Vice Chairman of the Board Henry Sy Jr. and Co-Vice Chairman Robert Coyiuto, Jr.