PANAY Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) have completed the synchronization of PEDC’s new 150 megawatt (MW) coal fired power plant to the Visayas Grid last August 19 with connection to the NGCP substation in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Construction of PEDC is expected to be completed before the end of this year as an important expansion of Global Business Power Corp (GBPC) and its subsidiary PEDC based in Iloilo City.

GBPC is maintaining three power plants in Iloilo City namely the diesel oil based Panay Power Corp (PPC), PEDC’s 164 MW coal fired power plant and the latest 150 MW coal fired plant, all located at Barangay Ingore, La Paz district.

According to GBPC, the synchronized milestone paves the way for the power generator’s target of commercial operation within the third quarter of this year.

GBPC President Rolando Bacani said the synchronization marks another step towards the fulfillment of continuing commitment to provide clean and efficient power to the Visayas region and contribute to its continued development.

PEDC is already contracted to provide power through power purchase agreements with the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Iloilo Electric Cooperatives I, II, and III, and the Antique Electric Cooperative and Guimaras Electric Cooperative of the Panay-Guimaras Power Supply Consortium.

The third plant is a boon to a region that needs more reliable power supply to cope with the rapid economic development not only in Western Visayas but to the other three Visayas regions.

The Visayas Grid has an actual capacity of 2,100 MW presently which also includes solar power sources. (LCP/Sunnex)