New energy appointments floating

by Myrna Velasco July 14, 2016

http://www.mb.com.ph/new-energy-appointments-floating/

Two former lawmakers and a consumer group head are being floated as probable new appointments in the energy sector under the Duterte administration.

Industry sources have tipped off that former Camarines Sur Representative Felix William Fuentebella will likely be named undersecretary of the Department of Energy (DOE).

On the other hand, it was indicated that former Zambales Representative Maria Milagros Magsaysay is being eyed as president of state-run National Power Corporation (NPC) of which main residual function is to energize off-grid areas.

Pete Ilagan, president of the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (Nasecore), is reportedly getting the National Electrification Administration (NEA) portfolio, replacing Edita S. Bueno who retired from the post last June 30.

Some officials of the DOE and its attached firms and agencies are currently on holdover positions for at least a month from the assumption of the new administration – giving leeway for the selection of their replacements.

NPC, for one, is currently headed by Gladys Cruz-Sta. Rita, who devoted much of the company’s efforts and resources into enhancing power delivery service at far-flung and off-grid domains.

She also stepped up the budgeting process for the Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) unit of NPC by pursuing more timely rate adjustment applications for the energy needs of such areas.

Prospective new appointments at the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation (PSALM) and the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) are still blurry at this point.

Industry players have been buzzing that PEMC president Melinda L. Ocampo will likely retain her post as head of the operating entity of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) as it traverses riveting transition into having its independent market operator.

The appointment at PSALM is also seen crucial because this is the state-run company that will take charge of continuous divestment of NPC’s remaining power assets as well as liability management of the power sector’s outstanding debts and obligations.