DOE says summer power demand to exceed 2024 levels
- March 7, 2025
This summer’s peak electricity demand could exceed last year’s levels, according to the Department of Energy (DOE), as scorching-hot temperatures mean an increased use of cooling appliances such as air conditioners, electric fans, and refrigerators.
The DOE’s projections indicate that peak demand in Luzon could reach 14,769 megawatts (MW), a 5.37 percent increase from 14,016 MW recorded on 22 April 2024.
In the Visayas, peak demand is expected to rise to 3,111 MW, a 17.8 percent increase compared to the previous year. Mindanao’s peak demand could rise to 2,789 MW, an 8.23 percent increase from 2024.
“The maximum adjusted available generating capacity is 15,504 MW in Luzon, 3,040 MW in Visayas, and 3,314 MW in Mindanao as outlined in the Grid Operating Maintenance Program (GOMP) 2025-2027 and the committed power projects for 2025,” the DOE said in a statement.
New projects to ease grid stress
The DOE shared that new power projects in the testing and commissioning phases will add 1,890 MW in Luzon and 193 MW in Visayas.
“The Luzon-Visayas and Visayas-Mindanao high-voltage direct current (HVDC) interconnections enhance supply availability and improve reserve margins by enabling capacity sharing of 250 MW and 450 MW, respectively,” the DOE added.
A call for mindful consumption
“Without mindful consumption, this surge could strain the power grid, potentially leading to supply challenges and price fluctuations in the spot market,” DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
The DOE urged consumers to avoid high-energy-consuming activities during peak hours. In Luzon, these are usually from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 6-9 p.m. on weekends. In the Visayas and Mindanao, peak hours are from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.
The energy agency also recommended households use energy-saving measures such as setting air conditioner thermostats to 24-26°C, using electric fans to improve air circulation, and maximizing natural ventilation.
La Niña to bring cooler temperatures
Rainfall brought by the expected La Niña phenomenon will bring lower temperatures across the country, the DOE said.
“The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has assured that water releases will continue until June or July, which will be particularly beneficial for the Pantabangan and Magat dams, which serve both irrigation needs and the energy sector by helping meet Luzon’s power requirements,” the energy agency concluded.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1245280
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/03/03/peak-summer-demand-seen-exceeding-2024s
https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/4/doe-summer-power-demand-expected-to-exceed-la-year-s-levels
