The National Electrification Administration (NEA) said at least seven electric cooperatives (ECs) are now in the process of constructing their own micro-grid systems in order to improve the reliability of their systems.
A micro-grid is a limited network of electricity users with a local source of supply that can function even if it is not connected to the national grid.
Edgardo Masongsong, the agency’s administrator, said among the ECs currently building their own micro-grid systems are Quezon II Electric Cooperative; Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative; South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative; Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative; Samar Electric Cooperative; Samar II Electric Cooperative; and the Northern Samar Electric Cooperative.
Masongsong said most of the projects will likely utilize hybrid technologies of solar, battery storage, wind and generator sets.
NEA said at least 10 more ECs from island provinces have also expressed their intentions to build similar facilities. These include Lubang Electric Cooperative; Siargao Electric Cooperative; Quezon II Electric Cooperative; Romblon Electric Cooperative; Palawan Electric Cooperative; Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative; Batangas II Electric Cooperative; Antique Electric Cooperative; Guimaras Electric Cooperative; and the Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative.
Masongsong said there are only three cooperatives to date with operational micro-grids: Romblon Electric Cooperative; Antique Electric Cooperative; and the Zambales II Electric Cooperative.
As a supervisory body to 121 ECs nationwide, NEA regularly monitors distribution system parameters such as systems loss and reliability, circuit kilometers and substation capacity to ensure that they remain operationally reliant and technically efficient in delivering service to their member-consumers. It is also mandated to implement the total electrification of the country.
