Published
By Myrna M. Velasco
The Energy Regulatory
Commission (ERC) has given a 60-day ultimatum to six power projects to submit
their mandatory environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) for their
respective power plant ventures.
At least three of the
power projects, according to ERC Chairperson Agnes T. Devanadera, have been
part of the seven controversial power supply agreements (PSAs) inked with
Manila Electric Company.
Two of these major
power projects – the proposed Central Luzon Premiere Power Corporation and
Mariveles Power Generation Corporation – are up for development by the San
Miguel Group; while another is the Global Luzon Energy Development Corporation
of Global Business Power Corporation of the Pangilinan group.
For the Luna power
project of Global Business Power, company executives previously indicated that
they are already close to securing their ECC; while, for the San Miguel group,
the intent is still firm when it comes to pursuing the projects.
The rest of the power
plant ventures still lacking ECCs but have pending PSAs with the ERC, are being
pushed to commercial development by other project sponsors.
“We have given them
ultimatum to submit – those that do not have ECCs to submit within 60 days, and
the 60th day is falling within June. If they will not submit within those
periods, then goodbye,” the ERC chief said.
Devanadera qualified
that the deadlines of those companies that were sent letters to – on the
slapped two-month ultimatum shall be between June 20-June 25 this year.
She noted that the
Meralco-underpinned supply contracts are three or four, “but there are five to
six of them, but not all are part of the seven PSAs,” referring to the 3,551
megawatts of contracted capacity that the country’s biggest power utility firm
had cemented with seven power projects.
“If you don’t have ECCs,
whether you’re Meralco or you’re San Miguel, our treatment is equal to all
players,” she stressed.
Devanadera added that
she preferred not looking at the names of the companies involved so she could
avoid having prejudice in favor or against certain project developers, hence,
when pressed by the media on the identities of the parties involved, she was
not giving specific details.
“All I can say is: we
sent them the letters. I opted not to look at the profile of the companies
because I may end up having biases,” the ERC chief averred.
She further indicated
“we only have one gaming rule for all – whether you are big or you are small,
if it is a requirement, then you have to comply.”
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