Yellow alerts a concern for 2025 Midterm Elections

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On March 5, 2025, the Luzon power grid was placed under a yellow alert, signaling a strained energy supply due to increased demand and multiple power plant outages. This development has raised concerns about the potential impact on the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for May 12, 2025.

Understanding the Yellow Alert

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) issued the yellow alert from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 5. A yellow alert indicates that while the power supply can still meet demand, the reserve margin is insufficient, making the system vulnerable to power interruptions if additional outages occur. During this period, the Luzon grid had an available capacity of 12,638 megawatts (MW) against a peak demand of 11,617 MW. 

The alert was primarily attributed to the forced outages of eight power plants since February, with an additional four plants offline since 2024. Moreover, 16 plants were operating at reduced capacities, resulting in a total unavailable supply of 3,362.3 MW. 

Implications for the 2025 Midterm Elections

The timing of this yellow alert has sparked apprehension regarding the stability of the power supply during the forthcoming elections. Consumer advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) emphasized that power disruptions could undermine the integrity of the electoral process. Nic Satur, Jr., PARE's chief advocate officer, highlighted that brownouts during the elections could disrupt electronic voting, the transmission of results, and voter turnout.

Echoing these concerns, the Power for People Coalition (P4P) noted that with elections approaching in approximately two months, the reliability of the power supply is crucial for the smooth conduct of electoral campaigns and the elections themselves. 

Proactive Measures by Energy Stakeholders

In response to these challenges, the Department of Energy (DOE) activated the Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) in early February 2025. This task force, operating in coordination with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Department of National Defense (DND), aims to ensure energy resiliency throughout the electoral process. Key initiatives include comprehensive inspections of facilities, securing reliable backup power sources, and reinforcing uninterruptible power supply systems for servers. 

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has also taken steps to prepare for potential power disruptions during the elections. In late January 2025, Meralco conducted simulations to ensure quick response measures to possible power service issues that may arise during the elections, such as downed electricity lines and fire-related outages. 

Broader Energy Considerations

The early onset of the yellow alert has raised concerns about the reliability of the power grid during the dry season, a period typically associated with higher electricity consumption. The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) warned that this early alert might signal more frequent power alerts as the dry season intensifies. 

In light of these challenges, Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, are exploring alternative energy sources to enhance energy security. There is a growing interest in adopting nuclear power to achieve a cleaner and more reliable energy transition. Advances in technology have improved safety and reduced costs, making nuclear energy a more viable option for meeting the region's growing energy demands and environmental goals. 

Conclusion

The recent yellow alert in the Luzon power grid serves as a critical reminder of the vulnerabilities in the current energy infrastructure, especially with the 2025 midterm elections on the horizon. Ensuring a stable and reliable power supply is imperative to uphold the integrity of the electoral process. The collaborative efforts of government agencies, energy providers, and advocacy groups are essential to address these challenges and to safeguard the democratic process in the Philippines.