Help Save Electricity, Help Save the World

The city government is calling on Olongapeños to conserve electricity due to the effect of the El Nino phenomenon to the country’s hydropower generation.

According to the flyers distributed by the Public Utilities Department (PUD), Olongapo like Metro Manila, Cebu and Visayas will experience rotational power interruption or power load-shedding due to the dry spell that results to insufficient generation of energy for dams and power generating plants.

The El Niño phenomenon is a temporary change in the climate of the Pacific ocean, in the region around the equator. The phenomenon is characterized by abnormalities being experienced in parts of the world such as the warming of South America, torrential rains in North America, and drought in Southeast Asia nd Australia.

Among the areas in the country that are susceptible to El Nino are Ilocos Sur, Ilocs Norte, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Cavite, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Capiz, Ilo-Ilo, Negros occidental and other places like Davao and Zamboanga.

It can be recalled that the province of Isabela, the location of Magat Dam, the second largest power contributor of electricity in Luzon, has just declared a State of Calamity due to the dry spell brought by El Niño.

According to SN Aboitiz Power, the water level in Magat Dam has decreased to 171.22 meters or just nine meters before the 160-meter minimum operational level.

“The 160-meter level is our minimum operation level. One drop further means we will be forced to temporarily stop operations,” said engineer Melvyn Eugenio, manager ng Magat Dam.

Among the hydro-electric power plants in Luzon are the San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, Binga Dam in Benguet, Angat Dam in Bulacan and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija but since these hydro-electric power plants derive energy from water, hydro-electric generation may be affected if the “rainless” situation continues.

“Malaki ang maitutulong nating mamamayan upang mabawasan ang nararamdamang epekto ng El Niño kahit sa ating munting mga paraan. Magtipid tayo sa paggamit ng tubig at kuryente lalo na ngayon at hirap ang ating mga hydropower plants na gumawa ng kuryente dahil sa kawalan ulan,” wika ni Mayor Gordon.

Households can save electricity by observing the following tips:

1. Use compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent bulb;

2. Do your ironing all at once and not one at one time;

3. Open refrigerators only when needed;

4. Turn-off lights when not in use;

5. Unplug appliances when not in use; and

6. Lessen the use of air-conditioners or electric fans by having good ventilation at home.

Meanwhile, Mayor Gordon has reminded city employees to continue conserving electricity by turning off lights and other electrical equipment after office hours.