NPC to energize 500K rural households

By Jordeene B. Lagare January 25, 2021
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/01/25/business/business-top/npc-to-energize-500k-rural-households

THE National Power Corp. (NPC) is targeting to energize almost half a million households in line with the government’s goal of total household electrification by 2022.

“As discussed, I trust that NPC will stand by their commitment to fulfill the target to energize 483,000 households by April 2022 as part of President [Rodrigo] Duterte’s pronouncement that nobody will be left behind especially in terms of electrification,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi in a memorandum to NPC President Pio Benavidez.

“I take note that we already have a program for the 34,000 households through the provision of Solar Home Systems (SHS) to be completed by 2021,” Cusi added.

Early this month, both offices had a virtual meeting to discuss NPC’s plans and programs for the years 2021 and 2022.

Aside from the energization of households in remote areas, the state-run firm is also planning the acquisition of power barges that will serve as back-up power to areas hit by natural calamities; as well as hybridization of Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) plants.

Cusi, however, said the NPC must evaluate thoroughly its acquisition of the two floating power barges worth about P1 billion.

“We also have to take into consideration that calamities limit our capability to respond and provide power quickly due to the destruction of power lines in the affected areas, which we also need to address,” he said.

NPC’s commitment to provide energy to these households, Cusi said, should not be hinged on the purchase of power barges.

Cusi also reiterated its mandate to continue the hybridization plan for SPUG areas as such a move will not only cause savings in terms of fuel but will also aid in the efforts to curb effects in the environment.

The state-led corporation is likewise directed to submit the effect of hybridization on SPUG areas and how it helped reduce electricity rates and improve services.

Cusi also said both the Department of Energy and NPC to come up with a permanent solution to provide generator set (genset) to critical facilities including hospitals to “respond actively” to deliver electricity in times of calamities/emergencies.

“This mechanism must be finalized within the first half of the year so we can be ready when typhoon season starts by the latter part of 2021,” said the Energy chief, noting a suggestion to refurbish the old power barges for disposal to augment the ancillary service during disasters.

Meanwhile, the state-run company reported that 3,500 households in Romblon gained access to round-the-clock power supply following the energization of San Jose and Concepcion Diesel Power Plants.

NPC said both power plants, with a total capacity of 850 kilowatts (kW) and 1.19 megawatts, respectively, “have huge power reserves which allowed for the extension of service hours into 24/7.”

The capacities were higher than the power demand of San Jose (403 kW) and Concepcion (175 kW) towns.

In 2020, NPC increased the service operations of its 13 (SPUG) plants which benefited around 9,000 households.