Published
February 4, 2018, 10:00 PM By
Myrna M. Velasco
To avoid straining
power supply during the critical summer months, the Department of Energy (DOE)
is also monitoring the shutdowns of power plants relative to their regular maintenance
schedules.
Energy Secretary
Alfonso G. Cusi indicated that they are steering clear of a situation wherein
more power plants will be taken off the power system, especially if the
generating facilities without certificates of compliance (COCs) would not all
offer their capacities via the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market.
“We are plotting the
schedule of power plants that will be on regular maintenance shutdown because
they will have impact on supply also,” the energy chief said.
Even with oversupply in
capacity, if plant shutdowns are not properly managed and coordinated, such
could still drive the power system into breaking point – and will in turn
trigger unwanted electricity service interruptions.
Cusi qualified that
“the ERC is working, but there are things needing its action as a collegial
body,” including the required permits-to-operate or COCs of power generating
facilities.
Like all stakeholders
in the power industry, Cusi is also hopeful that the distressing leadership
black hole at the ERC will finally be resolved.
Last week, the
Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. (PIPPA) had already
elevated its plea to President Rodrigo Duterte on the immediate need to restore
normalcy at the ERC.
The organization of
power generators in the country had stated that “the energy industry needs a
fully functional Commission in order to effectively implement their mandate in
accordance with EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act).”
PIPPA added “without a
working Commission and putting a pause on the important work of the ERC, we
will find ourselves without the needed approvals for PSAs (power supply
agreements), connection agreements, price determination regulation, compliance
certificates and licenses.”
As of last week, it was
gathered from sources in Malacanang that Davao-based lawyer Alexis Lumbatan is
seriously being considered for acting Commissioner appointment at the ERC,
Lumbatan is not
entirely new in public view, because he was touted as “the funny guy” in
President Rodrigo Duterte’s inauguration in 2016 – which circulated then in
social media posts. Lumbatan also worked previously as chief of staff to
Presidential son Paolo Duterte in Davao City.
Once his appointment is
firmed up in the Palace, his papers would have to be transmitted to the Office
of ERC Chairperson Agnes Devanadera, so he can take over in his temporary post
at the regulatory body.
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