Xmas wish: No power crisis

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Wed, 23 Oct 2019 16:45:34 +0000

 

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THE Philippines needs more power now. It is found wanting as evidenced by the series of yellow alerts that we have been experienc­ing in the Luzon network.

We are already in the “ber” months, approaching Christmas, thus with the cooler temperatures, demand is supposed to be and ex­pected to be lower. Yet, our country still faces frequent yellow alerts, meaning that our power reserves are running low and thin. To address the thinning power supply situation, many things need to happen, but only a few are really being acted upon.

As Christmas approaches, I can make three wishes for the energy sector.

One is for the signed power supply agreements (PSAs) to be given the go-signal by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), so that con­sumers can reap the rewards and benefits starting December.

Two is for more big power plants to eventually be successful in the competitive selection process (CSP) bidding so that they can start con­struction.

And, three, that more developers adopt advanced and environment-friendly technology in power gen­eration. And this all means energy security.

First, we have to consider the fact that we do not want a power crisis during the holidays. It is, therefore, up to the ERC to help prevent it. The commission can no longer delay the approval of the various power agreements. It is this kind of red tape that is slowing down the ap­proval of PSAs.

What worries me is this: It has already been more than an entire month since the successful CSP, but there is no movement or progress with the regulators on the required documentation for the approval process to proceed.

I rejoiced last month when Meralco signed six PSAs.
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