More power distributors shift to RE

By Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) | Updated February 13, 2017 - 12:00am

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/02/13/1671575/more-power-distributors-shift-re

MANILA, Philippines – More power distributors are shifting toward renewable energy supply as six Mindanao electric cooperatives (ECs) secured power supply deals with Hedcor Inc., the hydropower subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp., starting this year.

Hedcor has signed renewable energy supply agreements (RESA) with Zamboanga del Sur Electric Cooperatives 1 and 2 (Zamsureco 1 and 2), Zamboanga del Norte Electric Cooperative (Zaneco), Bukidnon Second Electric Cooperative (Buseco), Misamis Occidental I Electric Cooperative (Moelci I), and Siargao Electric Cooperative (Siarelco).

This as several power distributors shift towards a more balanced mix of energy sources.

A total of 23 megawatts (MW) will be supplied to the six Mindanao ECs—Zaneco with 10 MW, Zamsureco 1 and 2 with 3 MW each, Buseco with 5 MW, Moelco with 1 MW and Sirelco with 1 MW.

The power supply will be sourced from Hedcor’s 68.8-MW Manolo Fortich hydro power project in Bukidnon, which is slated for completion in the third quarter.

“We are happy to have provided the electric cooperatives in Mindanao with the renewable energy option. By signing up with Hedcor, they are giving their member-consumers the benefits of renewable energy as well as the benefits of a balanced mix of energy sources,” Hedcor VP for Mindanao operations Rolando Pacquiao said.   

Zaneco serves the area in and around Zamboanga del Norte and the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan, while Zamsureco 1 and Zamsureco 2 service the rest of Zamboanga peninsula.

Buseco’s franchise area covers Bukidnon, including areas in Malaybalay City, Manolo Fortich, and Valencia City.

Moelci 1 currently services some municipalities in Misamis Occidental and Siarelco covers at least nine towns in Siargao island. 

“We hope other electric cooperatives will take advantage of renewable energy to add to their portfolio and the benefits of a RESA contract,” Pacquiao said. 

The $280.4-million Manolo Fortich project will be the latest addition to AboitizPower’s growing portfolio of renewable energy in the country under the Cleanergy brand.

These hydropower plants will produce 360-gigawatt hours of clean and renewable energy every year for the Mindanao grid ensuring ample power supply to meet the increasing power demands of the region.