THE much anticipated generation to augment the power supply in Mindanao next year is 90 percent complete as of September with testing and commissioning expected to commence in the coming months.
Therma South Inc. (TSI), in its report to the Department of Energy (DOE) in Mindanao, stated that the 300-MW thermal power plant located in the boundary of Davao City and Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur is on schedule and would most likely meet its targeted time table for its commercial operation during the first half of 2015.
TSI President Benjamin A. Cariaso Jr., said that all major components and equipment, as well as the switchyard that will connect the power plants to the transmission assets of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) are now nearing completion.
“We are anticipating for to the completion of this project, and looking forward to be able to make a significant contribution in alleviating the Mindanao power crisis,” Cariaso said.
Cariaso said the realization of the project would mean a reliable baseload power plant in the island to supply its fast-growing need for power.
Distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in Mindanao have already signed power supply contracts with TSI as of September 2014. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has already approved 13 of the 22 contracts.
Customers with approved contracts can immediately get power from TSI once the power plant is in operation and it will deliver much needed power to the major cities of Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, Butuan, Gen. Santos, Tagum and Kidapawan, among others.
Also receiving much needed power are the Agusan and Surigao provinces, Davao region, North and South Cotabato, Sarangani, Misamis provinces, Zamboanga provinces and parts of Bukidnon.
Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on October 21, 2014.
