SMPC sees lower energy generation in first quarter

Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC) expects its first-quarter energy generation to be lower by at least 20% because of the series of power plant closures during the period, company officials said.
“This year we are down on a year-on-year basis,” Victor A. Consunji, SMPC president and chief operating officer, told reporters after the company’s annual stockholders meeting in Makati City on Monday, May 7.
The projected decline in energy generation for the quarter reverses SMPC’s robust growth for 2017 when it recorded a 21% increase to 5,202 megawatt-hours (MWh) because the augmented capacity of Sem-Calaca Power Corp.’s first unit and the higher availability of the second unit.
SMPC’s Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corp. also recorded full commercial operation of its two-unit circulating fluidized bed each with a capacity of 150 MW.
Mr. Consunji said SMPC would be reporting its first-quarter performance later this week, which will disclose in detail the decline in the company’s energy generation. He declined to quantify the corresponding value of the power generation slide. — Victor A. Saulon