The Department of Energy (DOE) is urging the public to adopt energy efficiency measures to manage electricity consumption and ensure the stability of the country’s power supply amid the onset of the summer season and expected rise in temperature.
The DOE said in a statement on Monday, households, businesses and government institutions are encouraged to adopt practical and effective demand-side management strategies without compromising productivity and operational performance.
“The summer months are characterized by higher energy demand, primarily driven by the increased use of cooling appliances such as air conditioners, electric fans and refrigerators.
Without mindful consumption, this surge could strain the power grid, potentially leading to supply challenges and price fluctuations in the spot market,” said DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla.
Based on the demand forecast for the year, DOE projects a peak demand of 14,769 megawatts (MW) for Luzon, 3,111 MW for Visayas and 2,789 MW for Mindanao compared to maximum adjusted available generating capacities of 15,504 MW in Luzon, 3,040 MW in Visayas and 3,314 MW in Mindanao as outlined in the Grid Operating Maintenance Program 2025 to 2027 and committed power projects for 2025.
The DOE said that new power projects under testing and commissioning will add 1,890 MW in Luzon and 193 MW in Visayas this year.
Actual peak demands recorded in 2024 were at 14,016 MW for Luzon; 2,681 MW for Visayas; and 2,577 MW for Mindanao.
DOE said the public should refrain from or reschedule high-energy-consuming activities during peak hours, typically from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays; 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends in Luzon; and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Visayas and Mindanao where electricity demand is at its highest.
The agency said that by shifting energy-intensive operations to off-peak hours, consumers can help ease the strain on the grid, improve energy efficiency and contribute to a more sustainable power system.
For households, the DOE encourages the adoption of energy-saving measures such as the setting of air conditioners to 24 TO 26°C, using electric fans to improve air circulation, maximizing natural ventilation when possible, and keeping appliances well-maintained for optimal efficiency.
For commercial and industrial establishments, DOE said they can improve energy efficiency by regularly maintaining their equipment to ensure optimal performance and adopting energy-efficient technologies such as LED lighting and automated energy management systems.
The DOE advised, government institutions to continue setting the thermostat of office air-conditioning units at 24°C with operating hours limited to 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. paired with regular maintenance and cleaning, encouraging employees to take the stairs, turning off lights and computers during lunch breaks, closing blinds and curtains, among others.
Despite the warning, the DOE said this year’s La Niña is also expected to cause rainfall to help moderate rising temperatures across the country.
In a separate statement, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said the country’s power supply situation remains normal as of Monday.
The company said that available capacity is at 13,673 MW compared to a peak demand of 11,292 MW.
