Water, power companies respond to El Niño fallout
WATER and power companies started implementing their contingency plans to ensure water security in response to the supply shortage caused by El Niño.
In a recent virtual briefing convened by the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation (PDRF) for its private sector partners, experts from the water and power sectors shared their plans and strategies for addressing these challenges and what to expect in their service amid El Niño and the onset of La Niña.
Manila Water Co. Inc.’s initiatives include strict enforcement of allocation protocols, deployment of mobile treatment plants and continuous monitoring of dam levels.
Maynilad Water Services Inc, meanwhile, stressed innovation with a new treatment plant in Parañaque, while Aboitiz Infra Capital leverages technology with its Smart Water Network to optimize operations and conserve resources.
In preparation for the more severe impact of El Niño outside Manila, Manila Water Ventures Philippines activated its business continuity plans and is exploring other water sources to ensure the sustainability of water supply and optimize its network operations.
Intense hot weather also affects the power supply. National Grid Corporation of the Philippines In April issued red and yellow alerts, indicating insufficient power supply to meet the demand, resulting in rotating brownouts. The unavailability of many power plants is worsening the situation.