Command centers to run 24X7
THE Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) started its operations on Sunday, a day before today’s election, under heightened alert to ensure reliable and continuous delivery of electricity across the country, the Department of Energy (DOE) said in a statement.
The ETFE will safeguard the integrity of the electoral process by proactively preventing power disruptions during and after the polls, the DOE said.
The ETFE, led by Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, is composed of key government energy agencies, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), generation companies, distribution utilities, and other relevant institutions.
The task force is mandated to ensure seamless coordination of preemptive measures and rapid response protocols to support an uninterrupted and secure power supply throughout the election period.
As part of its preparations, the ETFE has activated command centers across the energy sector, including those of the NGCP, National Electrification Administration, Manila Electric Co., and the DOE’s own Energy Sector Emergency Operations Center.
The command centers will operate on a 24×7 basis until May 13, 2025. They are equipped with real-time monitoring systems and analytic capabilities to detect grid vulnerabilities and enable quick deployment of technical teams in the event of any power-related incident, the DOE said.
“All hands are on deck. The entire energy sector is fully mobilized and working in full coordination to ensure an unimpeded and reliable power supply, along with adequate fuel availability…,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
Despite the assurance, the DOE urged the public to promptly report any power-related incidents or service interruptions, noting that timely and accurate reporting enables fast intervention and also minimizes the risk of prolonged outages to support the overall stability and resilience of the energy sector.
