DOE to review FIT perks for solar

by Madelaine B. Miraflor July 4, 2016 (updated)

http://www.mb.com.ph/doe-to-review-fit-perks-for-solar/

The new administration, through the Department of Energy (DOE), has committed to review the Feed-in-Tariff (FIT) list for solar power projects, which exceeded by around 300 megawatts (MW).

This is to appease those who did not make it to the list but are claiming they are entitled to the incentives.

“Now, can solar be feasible without FIT? Some people are saying it is possible but some are saying they are not ready,” new Energy Chief Alfonso Cusi told reporters yesterday.

TURNOVER AT DOE – New Department of Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi (right) shakes hands with outgoing secretary Zenaida Monsada after accepting the DOE flag during the turnover ceremonies held at the DOE Office in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig on July 4, 2016.

“It requires a deeper study and understanding. I have to talk to all of them. There are a lot of request to discuss,” he added.

But then, he suggested that the developers who weren’t able to secure FIT may also tap other options like seeking for bilateral agreements and going to the open market.

“I’m not saying this it. It’s just an option. The other way to see it. This is a problem we need to address,” Cusi added.

To recall, the installation target for solar under FIT is only 500 MW but the solar power projects that are allegedly eligible for the incentives exceeded by around 300 MW.

Under FIT , qualified renewable energy developers are given subsidized rate per kilowatthour (kWh).

For solar, seven projects would supposedly be entitled to FIT rate of P9.68 per kWH, while 17 companies will receive subsidized rate of P8.69 per kWh.

According to former DOE secretary Zenaida Monsada, it is already up to the new administration how it will resolve the issue.