Angat Dam slowly recovering July 26, 2010

Angat Dam Profile July 22, 2010

RESERVOIR OPERATION July 30, 2007

OPERATION RULES

The operation of the reservoir follows a certain procedure so that the competing water users would be able to get their equitable share based on the agreed policy such as the amount allocated to each user. Water allocation is usually dictated by rule curve that is derived from historical data of river flows and water demands. A rule curve shows the minimum water level requirement in the reservoir at a specific time to meet the particular needs for which the reservoir is designed. It is important to note that rule curve shall be followed except during periods of extreme drought and when public interest so requires.

When the reservoir serves two or more purposes, water allocation becomes more complex. During normal flows, the reservoir will be maintained and kept at the rule curve level. During heavy flows, the water level may be allowed to rise above the rule curve. If exceptionally high inflows are expected, the reservoir is drawn down below the rule curve before the water arrives. If low flow conditions prevail, the reservoir may be drawn down below the rule curve to release the design dependable flow to satisfy the downstream needs. During drought periods the reservoir may be completely emptied.

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HYDROPOWER IN A DEREGULATED ELECTRICITY MARKET April 16, 2007

The nation’s hydroelectric resources are of vital importance to the successful culmination of our national experiment to deregulate the electricity market. Hydropower generation has long been an essential component of our electricity market. At present, the hydroelectricity production is about 20% of the total energy produced in the country. In Mindanao, 90% of its energy generated comes from hydroelectric plants. Whereas in Luzon, major reservoirs contribute 9% of the total energy produced. Hydropower facilities, many of which have been in place for decades and are now an integral part of local communities, also support livelihood, flood management, irrigation, water supply and fish and wildlife conservation.

Hydropower provides emission-free, renewable electric power. Being environmentally friendly, it carries a premium for the delivery of clean and renewable electricity in a competitive market. It is renewable through annual rainfall. The earth’s water cycle guarantees an endless supply of fuel from rain. The water from river is purely a domestic resource that is not subject to disruptions from foreign suppliers, production strikes or transportation issues that may affect other power generating industries. It reduces the use of foreign oil and allows the nation to conserve its domestic resources of coal and natural gas. But with the manifestation of large-scale weather phenomena like El Niño (dry episode) and La Niña (wet episode), hydropower production will be proportionately affected. (more…)