DOE allots P5B for rural electrification

By Ted P. Torres (The Philippine Star) Updated January 18, 2012 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) is willing to allocate up to P5 billion for rural electrification this year, the country’s top energy official said.


Energy Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras said the government is set to increase its budget for rural electrification to provide electricity to more Filipinos.


He said the government already allocated P2.5 billion for countryside electrification, another P2.5 billion can be made available if necessary.


“Our goal is all about energy access for more. Filipino children will be disadvantaged if they have no access to energy. And the more Filipinos we provide power to, the better their future will be,” Almendras noted.


He added that the move of the government to invest in the rural areas will be for its “inclusive” growth, an economic development that will start from the bottom going up. Eventually, the investments for the countryside will eventually go back to the main population centers.


The energy chief appealed to the stakeholders to support the government in its efforts to provide energy for all.


There are currently 119 electric cooperatives (EC), 16 privately owned utilities and three municipal systems that distribute power to the rural areas in the country.


Data from the Energy Department indicate that only 15 cooperatives, or 12.6 percent of total,have achieved a 100-percent electrification rate while there are still 75 ECs or 63 percent of total that are well below 90 percent barangay electrification level.