MANILA, Philippines – Residents and tourists in an emerging tourism hotspot in Palawan can now enjoy 24-hour electricity, courtesy of a new generating set provided by the National Power Corporation (Napocor).
The state-run corporation announced in a statement on Monday, January 11, that it is extending its service in the municipality of Rizal in Palawan to 24 hours, from the previous 16. This was made possible by its grant of an additional 300 kW (kilowatts) generating set to Rizal Diesel Power Plant (DPP).
The move will benefit more than a thousand households in the area, and provide more amenities to tourists in the Southern Palawan town.
Like most places in Palawan, Rizal is fast becoming a popular tourist destination because of its combination of crystal clear beaches and forests, which provide ample opportunities for water sports and trekking. The area is also the jump-off point for Palawan’s highest peak, Mount Matalinghan.
“An improved tourism industry and local commerce can be expected now that Rizal has 24-hour power supply,” said Napocor President Ma Gladys Cruz-Sta Rita.
The Napocor chief indicated that the high net reserve of Rizal DPP was the main reason for the extension of service hours. During its 16-hour operation and before the new genset, Rizal DPP had a dependable capacity of 570 kW and a demand of 337 kW.
“With the new genset, we have put the reserve power at 480 kW, enough to operate at 24 hours,” Cruz-Sta Rita said.
Other areas that have seen their service operation hours boosted to 24 hours are El Nido, Taytay, San Vicente, and Culion in Palawan; Caluya in Antique; and Siasi in Sulu, although the Siasi Electric Cooperative had asked for gradual increase, opting instead for 22 hours of operation. – Rappler.com