Scope and Applicability
- Applies to all Generation Companies (GenCos), Distribution Utilities (DUs), and the National Transmission Corporation (TRANSCO) or its concessionaire (currently NGCP).
Generation Companies' Responsibilities
- Operate generating facilities in compliance with technical constraints and maximum available capacity.
- Monthly submission of Maximum Available Capacity and operational status to DOE-EPIMB, with copies to System Operator (SO) and PEMC.
- Maintain fuel inventories: oil-based GenCos – 15-day fuel stock including shipments in transit; coal plants – 30-day coal stock.
- During scheduled maintenance of Malampaya natural gas facilities, maintain a 15-day alternative fuel inventory and operate at full capacity.
- Monthly reports for natural gas, geothermal, and hydro plants on current status and energy source forecasts.
- Coordinate and notify SO of planned equipment shutdowns per Philippine Grid Code (PGC).
- Immediately report unexpected shutdowns or deratings to DOE with cause and estimated restoration time.
- Obtain prior DOE clearance for deactivation or mothballing of critical generation units.
- Strict adherence to the PGC provisions.
TRANSCO/NGCP Responsibilities
- Ensure adequate transmission facilities as per DOE-approved Transmission Development Plan (TDP).
- Incorporate generation, distribution, and supplier requirements in TDP.
- Rigorously evaluate conditions before approving shutdowns/deactivations according to System Operator Procedure Manual.
- Submit and monitor compliance with Grid Operating and Maintenance Program (GOMP).
- Immediate reporting to DOE of power interruptions or threats with details including magnitude, duration, causes, affected areas, and mitigating measures.
- Institutionalize connection agreements with all Grid Users and enforce PGC requirements.
Distribution Utilities' Responsibilities
- Submit Distribution Utility Development Plan (DDP), Monthly Operations Report (MOR), and Monthly Financial and Statistical Report (MFSR).
- Comply with PGC and Philippine Distribution Code (PDC).
- Report significant load interruptions or potential threats.
- Ensure power requirements within franchise areas are met through supply contracts or spot market purchases.
- In Red Alert status, promptly submit manual load dropping schedules to DOE.
DOE as Lead Agency
- Supervises and oversees the power industry to ensure implementation of the Circular's objectives.
Monitoring, Enforcement, and Compliance
- DOE-EPIMB monitors compliance of GenCos, DUs, and NGCP.
- DOE coordinates with ERC to formulate enforcement and penalties for non-compliance.
- Creation of Grid Reliability Task Force for reliability assessment and policy recommendations.
Regulatory Support by ERC
- Ensures timely recovery of generation costs pursuant to existing laws and procedures.
Coordination with Other Government Agencies
- DOE may seek assistance from Bureau of Customs, National Water Resources Board, and others for fuel inventory and water resource management.
Effectivity
- Circular takes effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.