By Juzel L. Danganan
MANILA, April 9 (PNA) – Steag State Power Inc. (SPI’s)extended its maintenance works on its first 105-megawatt (MW) unit until May 12, which was initially targeted to be completed on May 9.
”Unit 1 is still offline, but the new target date for restoration is on or before May 12,” SPI Spokesperson Jerome Soldevilla told PNA Saturday.
The shutdown was enforced due to adjustments for its boiler feed pump and maintenance of other boiler components.
He added SPI targeted to synchronize or supply power to the Mindanao grid on or before 12 a.m. on May 13.
It will help improve power supply in the area, being the current biggest operating power plant in Mindanao.
Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla recently mentioned Mindanao will have three more operational plants by the first quarter of 2016, namely Aboitiz’s Therma South Inc. with 300 MW capacity, Alsons’ Saranggani Energy Corp.’s 210 MW and San Miguel Consolidated Power Corporation’s Davao Power Project with 300 MW.
The three plants will improve the stability of the Mindanao grid’ power supply, however the flow of power will still depend on whether electric cooperatives will pay their bills to generation companies.
Mindanao grid is expected to have a capacity of 1,490 MW and a peak demand of 1,283 MW on Sunday. It is expected to have a reserve of 207 MW.
German-firm STEAG owns 51 percent of SPI, while Aboitiz Power Corporation has a 34 percent stake.
The third owner is the La Philippina Uygongco Corporation, holding 15 percent of SPI. (PNA)