Interruptible Load Program (ILP)
What is the Interruptible Load Program?
The Interruptible Load Program (ILP) is a demand-side management initiative of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). It allows companies with a peak demand of at least 1 MW within the preceding 12 months, and with self-generation capability, to temporarily run their own generator sets to reduce demand from the grid during periods of power supply shortage.
By shifting their load from the grid to on-site generation, participating companies help maintain system stability and reduce the likelihood of widespread power interruptions. In turn, participating customers receive compensation for the electricity they supply to the grid through their load reduction.
Why Participate in the ILP?
- Help prevent widespread power interruptions
- Support grid stability during supply shortages, especially during summer peak demand
- Receive compensation for contributing to system reliability
White, Yellow and Red Alerts
During periods of low power supply, Meralco will receive a notification from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) that there is an anticipated power supply deficiency the following day and may issue Alert Levels to trigger programs like the ILP.
- White Alert: Indicates normal grid conditions where supply is adequate and sufficient reserves are available.
- Yellow Alert: Declared when the operating margin falls below the required reserve level, indicating that the power supply is low but still stable.
- Red Alert: Occurs when supply is insufficient to meet electricity demand, which may lead to manual load dropping or rotational power outages.
How to Sign Up
Qualified non-contestable customers may enroll by reaching out to their Relationship Manager. Qualified contestable customers may coordinate with their respective Retail Electricity Supplier (RES) to express their intention to join.
As part of the enrollment process, the following information will be collected:
- MW demand committed for de-loading
- Preferred schedule for de-loading, such as:
- 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
- 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Names of three authorized representatives who can decide on behalf of the company
- Contact details (mobile numbers and email addresses) of the three authorized representatives
Participation
Meralco may request enrolled participants to activate their generator sets and temporarily disconnect their load from the distribution network. Companies only shift to their generator sets when the ILP activation is announced via call confirmations from Meralco.
- ILP Initiation: You will receive an automated call informing you that the ILP may be activated. A customer care agent will contact you shortly to confirm.
- Confirmation of Participation: An agent will reach out via call, email and/or text to confirm committed load for the event.
- ILP Conclusion: You will receive an automated call informing you that you may reconnect to the grid if the activation has been lifted or cancelled.
How Are Participants Compensated?
Companies receive compensation equivalent to the cost of electricity that Meralco would otherwise procure from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) during supply shortages.
Compensation is calculated based on the actual load reduction provided, subject to program rules. Companies will be notified of the incentive amount via email and will receive the bill where the incentive was applied.