Ambuklao, Binga, Magat hydros top PEMC’s compliance ratings

SN ABOLITIZ POWER (SNAP) Group’s Ambuklao, Binga, and Magat hydroelectric power plants  topped the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC)’s compliance performance ratings for cool-dry season covering the period of December 26, 2019 to February 25, 2020.

The ratings were released on April 30, 2020 by PEMC on its website. With the maximum seasonal rating only 80%, Ambuklao’s score of 78.92% is notably high.  Among twelve participating hydroelectric power plants, Ambuklao and Binga placed first and second, respectively, with Magat not behind at fourth place.

The compliance recognition and awards are conferred by PEMC to Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) participants, particularly generators, who go above and beyond in complying with their obligations and abiding by PEMC’s rules and manuals. The compliance criteria include being able to offer maximum available capacity, submit standing projected outputs, and comply with real-time schedule and dispatch instructions, among others.

The work involves coordination among SNAP’s WESM Compliance Officer Shara Landicho, the Trading team headed by Christian Mark Tarayao (CM), and the operations teams of SNAP-Magat and SNAP-Benguet headed respectively by Edgardo Bundalian and formerly by Jose Lachica III (current SHESQ head).

That this is the first time SNAP’s plants have received this citation does not underrate SNAP’s commitment to compliance, even as systems and processes needed to be improved over time. CM shared that compliance has always been part of the team’s culture and ethics. “The team is prepared. Market compliance is part of our operations and one of our major KPIs, [so] it’s not new to us. We regularly check our performance. We keep improving. This recognition is yet another opportunity for us to further improve things.”

SNAP-Benguet’s Plant Control Engineer Hil Olat added, “We keep on looking for improvements in all processes such that a perfect score will be possible.”

Vice president and chief market officer Senen Fenomeno likewise stressed how integral compliance is to the company. He said, “Compliance is very important to us—it is part of how we do business. A culture of compliance helps build and maintain trust which is a key component in driving positive change.”

By recognizing compliant generators, PEMC aims to encourage a culture of compliance and integrity—something SNAP has time and again showcased in many other aspects of its operations.