Residents who plan their work, household tasks and other activities around announced brownouts should be able to rely on the schedules released by the power distributor, the Mandaue City Council said.
The council approved a resolution Monday, Sept. 14, urging Visayan Electric Company (VECO) to strictly follow its published rotational power interruption schedules and minimize the duration of outages.
Councilor Jennifer S. Del Mar, who sponsored the resolution, said consumers often adjust their activities based on the expected timing of power interruptions.
“Sometimes dili man gud siya ma-follow,” Del Mar said.
She said consumers may postpone important activities or rearrange their schedules based on an announced outage, only to find that the interruption is delayed or occurs at a different time.
Del Mar said the uncertainty can be particularly difficult for people whose work, household responsibilities and other activities depend on electricity.
The resolution noted that VECO implements rotational power interruptions due to generation capacity shortages in the Visayas Grid and releases schedules and hourly matrices to inform consumers of expected outages.
Del Mar said consumers understand the need for rotational interruptions but should be able to depend on the schedules provided by VECO.
“Mag-stick lang jud sila, motuman sila anang ilahang announcement ba. Walay changes,” she said.
If changes become necessary, Del Mar said VECO should inform consumers ahead of time so they can make the necessary adjustments.
Businesses are also affected when actual outages do not match announced schedules, she said, particularly establishments and manufacturers operating on fixed hours.
The resolution said predictable interruption schedules are important for households, students, remote workers, businesses and healthcare facilities in planning their activities and operations.
It also noted that failure to follow announced schedules or extending interruptions without prior notice could disrupt workflows, cause financial losses, spoil goods and create other logistical problems.
The council acknowledged the continuing power supply shortage but said consumers should receive accurate and reliable information to help minimize the disruption caused by rotational outages.
The resolution calls on VECO to adhere to its published schedules and minimize the duration of power interruptions.
Photo courtesy of PhilStar
Comments