# DC2020-02-0004 — Planned Outage Schedules and GOMP Posting ## Department Circular No. DC2020-02-0004 **Providing Guidelines on the Planned Outage Schedules of Power Plants and Transmission Facilities and the Public Posting of the Grid Operating and Maintenance Program** Signed: 6 February 2020 by DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi Effectivity: 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation --- ## WHEREAS RECITALS 1. EPIRA declares State policy to ensure quality, reliability, security, and affordability of electric power supply, and ensure transparent and reasonable electricity prices. 2. DOE is mandated under EPIRA Section 37 to: (a) formulate policies for the planning and implementation of a comprehensive program for the efficient supply and economical use of energy consistent with the approved national economic plan and policies on environmental protection and conservation, and provide a mechanism for the integration, rationalization, and coordination of various energy programs of the Government; (b) ensure the reliability, quality, and security of supply of electric power; (c) develop policies and procedures and promote a system of energy development incentives to enable and encourage electric power industry participants to provide adequate capacity to meet demand, including reserve requirements; (d) formulate and implement programs, including a system of incentives and penalties, for the judicious and efficient use of energy in all energy-consuming sectors of the economy; (e) formulate such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement the objectives of EPIRA; and (f) exercise such other powers as may be necessary or incidental to attain the objectives of EPIRA. 3. EPIRA Sections 9 and 21 mandate TransCo or its Buyer or Concessionaire to ensure and maintain the reliability, adequacy, security, stability, and integrity of the Grid per the Grid Code. 4. RA 9511 granted NGCP a franchise to operate, manage and maintain the transmission system including system operations and other activities to support safe and reliable operation. 5. PGC Chapter 6.5 mandates: SO (in consultation with TNP) to prepare Operating Programs specifying availability and aggregate capability of generating plants; TNP (in consultation with SO) to prepare Grid Maintenance Programs; GenCos to provide TNP by week 27 a provisional Maintenance Program for three succeeding years. 6. NGCP annually prepares the Three-Year Grid Operations and Maintenance Program containing proposed three-year planned/maintenance outages and updates quarterly. 7. DC2010-03-0003 Sections 2 and 3 mandate GenCos to ensure facility availability at all times (subject to technical constraints communicated to SO), and TransCo to submit the Grid Operating and Maintenance Program to DOE and monitor compliance. 8. A series of Red and Yellow Alert notices were issued by the SO in the Luzon grid during summer 2019, resulting in rotating power interruption in Metro Manila and some areas in Luzon. 9. Committed power generation and associated transmission projects expected to augment thin reserves in Luzon and Visayas experienced delays in commercial operations. 10. DOE conducted public consultations: Davao City (21 November 2019) and Mandaluyong City (11 December 2019). --- ## SECTION 1. DECLARATION OF POLICY AND OBJECTIVES To protect public interest, DOE directs the adoption of guidelines for planned outage schedules and publication of the Grid Operating and Maintenance Program (GOMP) to: 1.1. Ensure energy security of the country at all times. 1.2. Enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability in the operation of generation, transmission, and distribution systems. 1.3. Promote open competition among electric power industry participants. 1.4. Attain EPIRA's objectives of ensuring quality, reliability, security, and affordability of electric power supply. 1.5. Foster reliable operation and efficient conduct of planned maintenance of power plants. --- ## SECTION 2. SCOPE OF COVERAGE This Circular applies to all electric power industry participants in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao: 2.1. All Generating Companies owning and/or operating grid-connected or embedded Generating Facilities per DC2019-02-0003. 2.2. National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) as Transmission Network Provider (TNP) and System Operator (SO). 2.3. Market Operator (MO). 2.4. Distribution Utilities connected to the grid. --- ## SECTION 3. GUIDELINES ON PLANNED OUTAGE SCHEDULES 3.1. All Generating Companies shall submit three-year planned outage schedules to NGCP for the Grid Operating Program (GOP) per the PGC. 3.2. NGCP and the MO shall devise a mechanism for an optimal generation and transmission planned outage schedule as the basis for the Grid Operating and Maintenance Program (GOMP); only hydroelectric power plants shall be allowed to conduct power plant maintenance during the peak quarter. 3.3. NGCP shall submit the GOMP to DOE on the last day of October of each year for review and approval. 3.4. DOE, in reviewing the resulting reserve profile, shall direct necessary adjustments in generation and transmission planned outage schedules. NGCP, MO, and concerned generating companies shall be informed of changes. 3.5. The first year of the GOMP schedule shall be considered binding; proposed shutdown schedules may be adjusted in succeeding quarterly revisions, but shall not result in low operating margin. Emergency schedule amendments require SO approval; DOE shall be notified accordingly. 3.6. The second- and third-year schedules shall be considered indicative and for reference in medium-term power supply and demand outlook. 3.7. MO shall monitor compliance with the approved GOMP schedule and provide a report to DOE. --- ## SECTION 4. PUBLIC POSTING OF GOMP NGCP is mandated to post on its website: 4.1. Approved annual GOMP immediately after DOE approval. 4.2. Amendments to the approved annual GOMP, immediately after confirmation. The same shall be posted on DOE, ERC, and MO websites upon notification of posting by NGCP. --- ## SECTIONS 5–8. FINAL PROVISIONS **Section 5. Regulatory Support.** ERC is directed to issue relevant rules and regulations to implement this policy within sixty (60) calendar days upon effectivity. **Section 6. Repealing Clause.** Nothing in this Circular shall amend, supersede, or repeal any mechanisms or institutions already existing under any law, rule, or contract. **Section 7. Separability Clause.** **Section 8. Effectivity.** 15 days after publication in two newspapers of general circulation; copies filed with UP Law Center-ONAR.