With the worsening power supply situation in Mindanao due to the effects of the El Nino Phenomenon, Davao Light and Power Co. conducted a Power Forum to one of its most affected customers, the home-based online workers.Around 50 online workers graced the event held at the Davao Light Ponciano office last March 9.Arturo M. Milan, Davao Light's EVP and COO, led the forum by personally presenting the real power supply situation in Mindanao and in the Davao Light franchise to the group.The attendees were educated on the Mindanao Power Industry, which includes the Generation, Transmission and the Distribution, where Davao Light belongs.

The fast growing economy of Davao City was also discussed by showing list of new big customers that are coming in the city. Manufacturing industries, condominiums, hotels, malls, schools and BPOs are just some that were shown.“Davao City is growing so fast which entails an increase in the demand for power. Unfortunately, there is no additional capacity yet in Mindanao other than the Therma South Inc. (TSI) coal-fired power plant. Without TSI, rotating power interruptions within our franchise would have reached 8 hours.” explained Milan.Milan also emphasized that Mindanao is highly dependent on hydro power plants. Around 50% of Mindanao's power supply is hydro. These plants are currently highly affected by the El Nino Phenomenon. “Even if we wanted to build our own plants just to add supply in our franchise, we can not because as a distribution utility we are not allowed under the law.” added Milan.He also said that the power crisis is not only being felt in Davao Light. He proved this by showing a map of Mindanao with the various distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in the island with their corresponding duration of the rotating power interruptions.At the end of the presentation, the group had an open forum. Some of the attendees aired out how frustrated they were with the current power supply situation as it affects their livelihood. Others also expressed how they appreciated the initiative that the company has made to inform them of the real situation. A few suggestions were also raised on how Davao Light can assist them given the situation that is being experienced in the entire Mindanao island.Milan assures the group that the company will look into the matters that were raised and will continue to provide them with updates on the power supply situation.

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