Legazpi city: The Albay Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Aleco) has intensified its preparations for the anticipated effects of the El Ni±o phenomenon, expected to occur from June to August, to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of electricity across the province. In a phone interview on Friday, Aleco information officer Anj Galero highlighted the key challenges posed by El Ni±o, including increased electricity demand from cooling systems and other appliances.

According to Philippines News Agency, Galero noted that these challenges include a potentially higher risk of transformer and equipment overheating, increased fire risks due to dry vegetation near power lines, and reduced transmission efficiency. In response to these challenges, Aleco has implemented preventive maintenance and system preparedness measures.

Preventive maintenance activities involve coordination with local government units for tree pruning and trimming to clear dry vegetation around power lines, and right-of-way clearing. The cooperative will also adjust distribution system settings in identified high-risk areas. Continuous monitoring and coordination with the generation and transmission sectors are also underway, along with the preparation of necessary equipment to enable the immediate replacement of any damaged facilities.

The power firm is monitoring electricity demand and may implement load shedding or manual load dropping as needed, in accordance with approved procedures and protocols. Aleco encourages its member-consumers to participate in and support energy conservation programs to help reduce peak-hour electricity consumption and minimize potential power supply issues.