Electricity consumers throughout the Visayas region are facing scheduled power interruptions this Thursday, May 21, 2026, as the grid contends with a thin power supply. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has initiated manual load dropping (MLD) to manage the system between 5 p.m. And 9 p.m.
Operational Challenges and Grid Integrity
The rotational brownouts were deemed necessary by the grid operator “to maintain the integrity of the power system.” The instability stems from a combination of forced outages and derated capacities across several power plants in the region.
The grid operator confirmed that a yellow alert was initially raised from 4 p.m. To 8 p.m. And subsequently extended until 9 p.m. This alert status was driven by the unavailability of large coal plants, specifically TVI 1, TVI 2, and PEDC 3. An unplanned outage involving CENPRI Diesel, PDPP1 Unit 5, PDPP3, and PGPP2 Unit 1 has removed 74 megawatts of capacity from the grid.
Affected Service Areas
The implementation of rotational brownouts impacts a wide range of distributors across the Visayas, including:
- VECO, MECO, and MORE
- CEBECO I, CEBECO II, and CEBECO III
- NEPC, NOCECO, NORECO I, NORECO II, and NONECO
- AKELCO, ANTECO, and CAPELCO
- ILECO I, ILECO II, and ILECO III
- GUIMELCO
Outlook and Precautions
Future power schedules remain fluid. The grid operator has indicated that the “schedule may be cancelled if system condition improves, such as if actual demand falls below projections.” In the meantime, the public is encouraged to exercise prudence in their electricity usage to help stabilize the grid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are rotational brownouts being implemented?
The NGCP is implementing manual load dropping to maintain the integrity of the power system following the forced outage and derated capacities of several power plants.
What caused the current power supply shortage?
The shortage is attributed to the unavailability of large coal plants—TVI 1, TVI 2, and PEDC 3—along with an unplanned outage of 74 megawatts from other facilities, including CENPRI Diesel and several units of PDPP and PGPP.
Could the power interruption schedule change?
Yes, the current schedule may be cancelled if system conditions improve, such as in the event that actual demand falls below initial projections.
How has the current power situation impacted your plans for the evening?