Solar energy firms eye modified work scheme

By Lenie Lectura May 6, 2020
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/05/06/solar-energy-firms-eye-modified-work-scheme/

A group of solar power providers are now focusing efforts to arrive at a “modified work arrangement” in preparation for the lifting of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance (PSSEA) Chairman Tetchi Capellan said solar energy companies are now preparing their employees on the needed adjustments that are expected to happen in the new normal workplace as they report for work soon.

“The social distancing discipline which forms the core of the [coronavirus disease 2019 or Covid-19] prevention, now preoccupies the mindset of most solar companies in an effort to protect workers and employees post-lockdown,” said Capellan.

In a survey done by the group, majority of its members prefer the work rotation and work-from-home scheme until June in order to provide the needed space that effectively lessens employees’ contact during work period especially at lunch and coffee breaks.

Also, most solar companies plan to reconfigure their office spaces so that the recommended 2-meter distance from one another can be strictly implemented.

On top of this, all companies are committed to follow the government directive requiring employees to wear masks and face shields for protection from virus infection.

Some solar power firms wold conduct conducting rapid testing among their employees fo free.

According to Karen Capellan, the business development manager and safety coordinator of SunAsia Energy, “the tests are intended for all employees and free-of-charge. It will be administered by a medical professional on Day One of the post-lockdown.”

The frequency of testing is still to be finalized, she added.

Miko de Vera of First Gen Corp. said the Covid-19 tests shall also be conducted to the families of company employees.

PSSEA’s technology partners in China, it said, have extended assistance to the country’s solar industry. It cited inverter manufacturer SunGrow which donated N95 masks.

Capellan said the industry appealed to the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to accelerate their virtual permitting and approval platform.

In a letter sent to the DOE and ERC, Capellan echoed the industry’s need to sustain productivity amidst the anticipated economic slowdown.

“This may be the perfect time to put up the online system and process applications without the need for face-to-face interaction. Such system will effectively allow government and private sector to achieve its mutual interest of project completion of all energy infrastructure projects without risking public health,” Capellan said.