NGCP Strengthens Grid Readiness with Annual Blackout Drills

NGCP Eastern Visayas

Tacloban City–The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently conducted its annual Blackout Drills to improve grid response capabilities in case of large-scale power outages or system disturbances. The drills were held separately for the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao grids, with the theme “Blackout Readiness: Strengthening Response Capabilities.”

Key Highlights:

• Tabletop Discussions: NGCP conducted tabletop presentations, discussing black start services, actual restoration experiences, blackout restoration guidelines, and procedures.
• Simulation Exercises: A simulation drill was held a week after the tabletop presentation, replicating an actual blackout scenario to test response capabilities.
• Stakeholder Participation: The activity was attended by stakeholders from the generation and distribution sectors, as well as representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and other key industry players.

NGCP’s Objectives:

• Evaluate Communication Protocols: Assess response times and strengthen coordination efforts.
• Identify Weaknesses: Proactively address weaknesses and improve response capabilities.
• Enhance Operational Efficiency: Constantly improve power transmission network operations, particularly in System Operations.

By conducting these annual Blackout Drills, NGCP aims to ensure grid readiness and reliability, ultimately providing a stable power supply to the country.

One of NGCP’s main functions as the country’s transmission operator is to constantly enhance operational efficiency of power transmission network operations, particularly that of System Operations.