DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) gave its assurance to residents that there will be a continuous supply of electricity for both homes and farms despite the ongoing El Niño weather phenomenon.
SRPC Vice President for Corporate Affairs Tom Valdez, highlighted the company's commitment to social responsibility and its ability to adapt to environmental changes.
In an interview, Valdez emphasized SRPC's efforts to fulfill the grid's minimum daily requirement of 115 megawatts while operating efficiently.
He said, "In our forecast computation, we've determined that 115 megawatts is sufficient to meet the irrigation needs downstream along the lower Agno River."
He proudly shared, "The hydropower plant successfully irrigated 36,000 to 40,000 hectares of land during the last dry cropping season, exceeding requirements."
While the reservoir's water level is 230.45 meters above sea level (masl), nearing the critical level of 225 masl, Valdez remained optimistic.
"The good thing about this El Niño is that we still have water; our water level is just right," Valdez stated.
He explained a planned maintenance shutdown on May 6.
This proactive step is standard during hot seasons when reliance on coal-fired plants increases.
The shutdown will last one to two weeks, but SRPC will utilize a re-regulating pond to minimize impact on the river ecosystem.
Looking ahead, Valdez expressed hope for rain to replenish the reservoir before the wet cropping season, ensuring continued support for local agriculture.
He also encouraged tree planting as a way to combat rising temperatures.
Since 2003, SRPC has been responsible for operating and maintaining the power-generating facility of the San Roque Multipurpose Project (SRMP).
The San Roque Dam, under SRMP, is a 200-meter-tall, 1.2-kilometer-long dam on the Agno River.
This Philippine giant – the 16th largest dam globally – spans San Manuel and San Nicolas municipalities in Pangasinan, roughly 200 kilometers north of Metro Manila. (JCR/AMB/JCDR/JPBS/PIA Pangasinan)
