SRPC to continue dam operation
SAN MANUEL - The San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) will continue ownership and operation of the power generating facilities of the San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam Project (SRMDP) until 2028.
Tommy Valdez, SRPC Vice president for corporate affairs clarify reports that the Aboitiz Group of Companies has already purchased the power enerating facilities of the San Roque Multi-Purpose Dam Project (SRMDP).
He said that after the contract terminates in 2028, SRPC will turn over the ownership of the facilities to the state-owned National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR).
“However, what I know is that the Aboitiz group of companies has bought the power producing facilities of the Ambuklao dam and Binga dam” Valdez added.
It will be recalled that SRPC bankrolled the construction of the giant San roque dam through a built operate transfer (BOT) agreement with NAPOCOR
Under the agreement, SRPC takes care of Power generation while NAPOCOR is responsible for the power distribution.
SRMPDP started operation in 2003 under SRPC ownership and management will expire in 2029 after 25 years as provided for in the BOT contract.
According toValdez, SRMDP has installed rated capacity of 345 megawatts and operates primarily as a peak plant on 24-hour basis when the electrical output base and intermediate load power plants cannot meet consumer demand.
However, he said, the power plant normally operates on its dependable capacity of 85 watts for a minimum of eight hours a day.
SRPC officials reiterated that this capacity is the same during extreme drought and excess water due to rain.
Studies of National Power Corporation NAPOCOR and the National Economic Development Authority(NEDA) showed that the dam facility can offer substantial power benefits in addition to its peaking capacity.
It was learned that the benefits derived from big hydroelectric facilities.