By Jordeene B. Lagare December 26, 2020
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/26/business/business-top/circular-on-coal-plant-ban-out-soon/817664/
THE Department of Energy (DoE) is finalizing the guidelines that will outline the scope of the ban on new coal power plants in the Philippines.
In October, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi announced the agency would no longer accept new endorsement applications for greenfield coal power plants or those coal facilities that are yet to be constructed.
“The circular is still being edited. I approved the draft and it’s being edited,” said Cusi.
The applications being processed by the DoE are those committed power projects included in the Philippine Energy Plan.
The agency is also including the “retirement of old power plant… matching of the replacement of the power that will be lost because of the retirement,” he told reporters.
Cusi noted all factors, not just the age or efficiency of power plants, will be taken into consideration. “We will consider all we need the power, so it cannot just be arbitrary.”
Sought for more information, Mario Marasigan, director of the DoE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau, said nothing is final yet as to what power plants will be covered by the moratorium.
“We’re still completing simulations. May existing projects na may proposed na expansion projects (Certain power plants have proposed expansion projects),” said Marasigan.
“We have to determine if yung expansion projects are really part of original plan at hindi mga bago na gusto lang makalibre sa moratorium natin (We have to determine if these expansion projects are really part of the proponent’s original plan and if these are not new projects that the proponent just wants to be excluded from the moratorium),” he explained.
Marasigan said that before the Energy department finalizes the policy, they would need to look into committed and indicative projects that have already secured permits and endorsements, and have undertaken groundworks.
“Then we’re looking at expansion projects ng mga (of the) existing plants,” he said. “Hindi namin alam gaano kalaki ang involved, iyon naman yung mga indicative na halos hindi pa gumagalaw (We do not yet the total capacity of committed and indicative projects, as well as those with expansion plans. The indicated power projects have little to no progress).”
Monday, December 28, 2020
Is PH assured of enough power, fuel supply?
By Jordeene B. Lagare December 26, 2020
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/26/business/business-top/is-ph-assured-of-enough-power-fuel-supply/817661/
In the beginning of the year, the government assured the Filipino people of sufficient power supply for all — just enough to meet their energy needs.
But everything changed when the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic struck the country.
When the government first placed Metro Manila and many parts of the country under one of the most stringent quarantines in March, the Department of Energy (DoE) observed a decline of up to 30-percent in power demand, as compared with the same period a year ago.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi had said there were delays in ongoing construction in the Philippine energy sector. Besides the fact that some foreign contractors and workers were not able to travel to the country, there were also issues of late delivery of imported equipment and parts needed for energy facilities.
Amid perceived delays in the completion of ongoing projects and repairs, the agency allayed fears of the public and said the country has enough power supply for the year.
Furthermore, data from the agency showed that the demand for petroleum products decreased by 22.8 percent in the first semester of 2020 due to reduced economic activity from lockdown and travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Flat power demand
Given the unexpected turn of events, the Energy department revised its power outlook for 2020, seeing this year’s power demand and supply would remain at the same level as last year’s amid the public health crisis.
“Almost no growth tayo kaya ang ine-expect nating movement ng demand towards the end of the year is just around the 2019 levels (We are expecting almost no growth in electricity consumption so the movement of demand we are expecting towards the end of the year is just around the 2019 levels),” Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola said.
With the stay-at-home order, electricity consumption in the residential sector significantly increased as people are working from home or, in the case of students, studying from home.
Following the imposition of the community quarantines, electricity consumption in the commercial and industrial sectors drastically declined as the majority of economic activities slowed down.
“Yong share ng residential sector sa entire consumption ng ating system, Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao medyo tumaas pero hindi niya na-compensate yung pagbagsak naman from the commercial and the industrial sector (What happened during the pandemic was electricity consumption in the residential sector surged but it could not compensate the decline from the commercial and the industrial sector),” he said.
In the case of the Visayas and Mindanao, the Energy official said the virus had minimal impact on power demand because it was mostly residential that was driving demand.
Last year, electricity demand in the country peaked at 15,581 megawatts (MW) in the previous year, based on the DoE’s 2019 Power Situation Report. The figure was 5.4-percent higher than the peak demand of 14,782 MW in 2018.
Citing data from the system operator, Luzon grid took the lion’s share as the region recorded an actual peak demand of 11,344 MW. Peak demand in the Visayas stood at 2,224 MW and in Mindanao, 2,013 MW.
The DoE previously forecasted this year’s peak demand to reach 12,285 MW in Luzon; 2,519 MW in Visayas; and 2,278 MW in Mindanao.
Can the power sector recover?
Cusi himself admitted it is “very difficult” to say whether or not electricity and fuel demand will return to 2019 levels. Yet, once the economy reopens, higher domestic consumption is expected.
“As far as power demand is concerned, there will be surge when we fully open the economy,” said Cusi in a recent virtual briefing, adding the industry continues to build capacity to meet rising electricity demand.
“We are trying to prepare the power supply into a level where we will have a normal operation already. and you know how it takes time before we build capacity,” the Energy chief told reporters.
The 1,336-MW supercritical coal-fired power plant in Dinginin, Bataan, which Aboitiz Power Corp. owns through subsidiary GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., was supposed to come online this year but the lockdowns hampered its timely completion. Instead, the first unit of this coal facility would commence commercial operations by the second quarter of 2021.
That is the same case for the country’s petroleum supply, unless the population will be vaccinated against the virus probably from the second half of 2021.
Cusi implied: “It may not go back immediately to the 2019 level,” adding “I think it will be, not at that level, but it will be within the range, especially if our population will be vaccinated, magkakaroon yan ng demand (the demand will surge).”
“Also, nagkakaroon tayo ng opening in the transportation sector (the transportation sector is opening up again), where even the provincial buses are allowed to operate, so magkakaroon na tayo ng (so there will be an) increase in demand in petroleum,” he added.
Nonetheless, Cusi said the current situation presents both “a problem and an opportunity” to do the catchup work in bolstering the country’s supply.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/26/business/business-top/is-ph-assured-of-enough-power-fuel-supply/817661/
In the beginning of the year, the government assured the Filipino people of sufficient power supply for all — just enough to meet their energy needs.
But everything changed when the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic struck the country.
When the government first placed Metro Manila and many parts of the country under one of the most stringent quarantines in March, the Department of Energy (DoE) observed a decline of up to 30-percent in power demand, as compared with the same period a year ago.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi had said there were delays in ongoing construction in the Philippine energy sector. Besides the fact that some foreign contractors and workers were not able to travel to the country, there were also issues of late delivery of imported equipment and parts needed for energy facilities.
Amid perceived delays in the completion of ongoing projects and repairs, the agency allayed fears of the public and said the country has enough power supply for the year.
Furthermore, data from the agency showed that the demand for petroleum products decreased by 22.8 percent in the first semester of 2020 due to reduced economic activity from lockdown and travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Flat power demand
Given the unexpected turn of events, the Energy department revised its power outlook for 2020, seeing this year’s power demand and supply would remain at the same level as last year’s amid the public health crisis.
“Almost no growth tayo kaya ang ine-expect nating movement ng demand towards the end of the year is just around the 2019 levels (We are expecting almost no growth in electricity consumption so the movement of demand we are expecting towards the end of the year is just around the 2019 levels),” Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor Delola said.
With the stay-at-home order, electricity consumption in the residential sector significantly increased as people are working from home or, in the case of students, studying from home.
Following the imposition of the community quarantines, electricity consumption in the commercial and industrial sectors drastically declined as the majority of economic activities slowed down.
“Yong share ng residential sector sa entire consumption ng ating system, Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao medyo tumaas pero hindi niya na-compensate yung pagbagsak naman from the commercial and the industrial sector (What happened during the pandemic was electricity consumption in the residential sector surged but it could not compensate the decline from the commercial and the industrial sector),” he said.
In the case of the Visayas and Mindanao, the Energy official said the virus had minimal impact on power demand because it was mostly residential that was driving demand.
Last year, electricity demand in the country peaked at 15,581 megawatts (MW) in the previous year, based on the DoE’s 2019 Power Situation Report. The figure was 5.4-percent higher than the peak demand of 14,782 MW in 2018.
Citing data from the system operator, Luzon grid took the lion’s share as the region recorded an actual peak demand of 11,344 MW. Peak demand in the Visayas stood at 2,224 MW and in Mindanao, 2,013 MW.
The DoE previously forecasted this year’s peak demand to reach 12,285 MW in Luzon; 2,519 MW in Visayas; and 2,278 MW in Mindanao.
Can the power sector recover?
Cusi himself admitted it is “very difficult” to say whether or not electricity and fuel demand will return to 2019 levels. Yet, once the economy reopens, higher domestic consumption is expected.
“As far as power demand is concerned, there will be surge when we fully open the economy,” said Cusi in a recent virtual briefing, adding the industry continues to build capacity to meet rising electricity demand.
“We are trying to prepare the power supply into a level where we will have a normal operation already. and you know how it takes time before we build capacity,” the Energy chief told reporters.
The 1,336-MW supercritical coal-fired power plant in Dinginin, Bataan, which Aboitiz Power Corp. owns through subsidiary GNPower Dinginin Ltd. Co., was supposed to come online this year but the lockdowns hampered its timely completion. Instead, the first unit of this coal facility would commence commercial operations by the second quarter of 2021.
That is the same case for the country’s petroleum supply, unless the population will be vaccinated against the virus probably from the second half of 2021.
Cusi implied: “It may not go back immediately to the 2019 level,” adding “I think it will be, not at that level, but it will be within the range, especially if our population will be vaccinated, magkakaroon yan ng demand (the demand will surge).”
“Also, nagkakaroon tayo ng opening in the transportation sector (the transportation sector is opening up again), where even the provincial buses are allowed to operate, so magkakaroon na tayo ng (so there will be an) increase in demand in petroleum,” he added.
Nonetheless, Cusi said the current situation presents both “a problem and an opportunity” to do the catchup work in bolstering the country’s supply.
Guidelines readied for coal plants to be covered by moratorium
Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) - December 26, 2020 - 12:00am
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/26/2066239/guidelines-readied-coal-plants-be-covered-moratorium
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is crafting the list of power plants that will be covered by the moratorium on new coal power plants.
A circular is being drafted to lay down the criteria in retiring old power plants.
“This will be considering all factors, not just age. We will consider all. We need the power, so it cannot just be arbitrary,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
“The circular is still being edited. I approved the draft and it’s being edited. Basically, we’re not accepting any new applications or greenfield. What we are processing are those committed plants, those that are part of the Philippine Energy Plan,” he said.
Cusi said the recent assessment revealed the need for the country to shift to a more flexible power supply mix.
This would help build a more sustainable power system that will be resilient in the face of structural changes in demand and will be flexible enough to accommodate the entry of new, cleaner and indigenous technological innovations.
DOE Electric Power Industry Management Bureau director Mario Marasigan said there is no final list of power plants included for retirement yet.
“We’re still completing simulations. Because there are existing projects that have already proposed expansion projects. We have to determine if the expansion project is really part of the original plan,” he said.
The DOE is looking at a hierarchy of power plants in its simulations.
These are the committed projects that have endorsements, the committed and indicative projects with permits, endorsements at groundworks, the expansion projects that are part of the existing plants and the indicative projects that have no movement yet.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/26/2066239/guidelines-readied-coal-plants-be-covered-moratorium
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is crafting the list of power plants that will be covered by the moratorium on new coal power plants.
A circular is being drafted to lay down the criteria in retiring old power plants.
“This will be considering all factors, not just age. We will consider all. We need the power, so it cannot just be arbitrary,” said Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi.
“The circular is still being edited. I approved the draft and it’s being edited. Basically, we’re not accepting any new applications or greenfield. What we are processing are those committed plants, those that are part of the Philippine Energy Plan,” he said.
Cusi said the recent assessment revealed the need for the country to shift to a more flexible power supply mix.
This would help build a more sustainable power system that will be resilient in the face of structural changes in demand and will be flexible enough to accommodate the entry of new, cleaner and indigenous technological innovations.
DOE Electric Power Industry Management Bureau director Mario Marasigan said there is no final list of power plants included for retirement yet.
“We’re still completing simulations. Because there are existing projects that have already proposed expansion projects. We have to determine if the expansion project is really part of the original plan,” he said.
The DOE is looking at a hierarchy of power plants in its simulations.
These are the committed projects that have endorsements, the committed and indicative projects with permits, endorsements at groundworks, the expansion projects that are part of the existing plants and the indicative projects that have no movement yet.
Atimonan community gets boost from power project amid COVID-19 woes
posted December 26, 2020 at 07:20 pm by Manila Standard
https://manilastandard.net/index.php/home-design/commercial/342957/atimonan-community-gets-boost-from-power-project-amid-covid-19-woes.html
Atimonan, Quezon—Atimonan One Energy (A1E), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), the developer of the 2x600-MW power station in Atimonan, Quezon, is pulling all the stops to provide material and financial support to the local government of Atimonan and its host barangay.
Hounded by the closure of businesses, loss of jobs and limited employment opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities like Atimonan are finding their citizens hard-pressed to get out in the field to earn money that will help them support their families.
With the help of its project contractors, A1E has taken on the challenge to pool together resources for the community over the past 10 months.
Jobs above all
Topping the list of benefits are employment opportunities that the project opened up. A1E contractors Synergy Construction Corp., Rexsun Development and Consulting Inc., Delta Earthmoving, Inc., Betonbau Philippines, Inc., and Sta. Clara International Corp. have directly recruited 336 Atimonanins, who represent more than 50% of the total workforce for the project’s ongoing site preparation activities.
These are composed of skilled and unskilled workers such as laborers, steel men, carpenters, masons, scaffolders, drivers, and heavy equipment operators.
“I am happy that A1E gave me the opportunity to be trained as a scaffolder,” said Jose Trapalgar from Barangay Villa Ibaba. Right now, I am receiving more than Php500.00 daily and I’m able to meet the needs of my family. The 58-year-old fisherman completed skills training for professional scaffolders organized by A1E.
Renante Cavestany was hired by Delta as dump truck driver. Prior to this job, the 49-year-old he worked as a driver in an infrastructure project supervised by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“This job made it possible to provide for the needs of my family and be with them at the same time,” said Renante.
Shot in the arm for local businesses
On top of their basic wage, workers also get benefits including insurance.
Atimonan also enjoys other economic benefits including a boost in local employment and additional income from payment of local business tax and real property tax.
Local businesses have been getting more customers with the presence of contractors and their workers in the municipality. Suppliers of raw materials, providers of food, transportation, and other goods and services are likewise benefiting from the A1E’s project.
Eyeing smart community status
MGen president and CEO Rogelio L. Singson vowed to transform the municipality into a progressive and smart community. Among the efforts made by MGen and A1E was the facilitation of the development of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for the municipality.
“We put the local community at the heart of what we do and we want to ensure that as our projects progress, our communities grow and develop with us,” said Mr. Singson.
Site development activities at the power station started in 2018 and at the peak of construction, the project is expected to result in the hiring of approximately 3,000-5,000 people. Around 300 regular employees will be needed once the plant becomes operational.
https://manilastandard.net/index.php/home-design/commercial/342957/atimonan-community-gets-boost-from-power-project-amid-covid-19-woes.html
Atimonan, Quezon—Atimonan One Energy (A1E), a subsidiary of Meralco PowerGen Corporation (MGen), the developer of the 2x600-MW power station in Atimonan, Quezon, is pulling all the stops to provide material and financial support to the local government of Atimonan and its host barangay.
Hounded by the closure of businesses, loss of jobs and limited employment opportunities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities like Atimonan are finding their citizens hard-pressed to get out in the field to earn money that will help them support their families.
With the help of its project contractors, A1E has taken on the challenge to pool together resources for the community over the past 10 months.
Jobs above all
Topping the list of benefits are employment opportunities that the project opened up. A1E contractors Synergy Construction Corp., Rexsun Development and Consulting Inc., Delta Earthmoving, Inc., Betonbau Philippines, Inc., and Sta. Clara International Corp. have directly recruited 336 Atimonanins, who represent more than 50% of the total workforce for the project’s ongoing site preparation activities.
These are composed of skilled and unskilled workers such as laborers, steel men, carpenters, masons, scaffolders, drivers, and heavy equipment operators.
“I am happy that A1E gave me the opportunity to be trained as a scaffolder,” said Jose Trapalgar from Barangay Villa Ibaba. Right now, I am receiving more than Php500.00 daily and I’m able to meet the needs of my family. The 58-year-old fisherman completed skills training for professional scaffolders organized by A1E.
Renante Cavestany was hired by Delta as dump truck driver. Prior to this job, the 49-year-old he worked as a driver in an infrastructure project supervised by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“This job made it possible to provide for the needs of my family and be with them at the same time,” said Renante.
Shot in the arm for local businesses
On top of their basic wage, workers also get benefits including insurance.
Atimonan also enjoys other economic benefits including a boost in local employment and additional income from payment of local business tax and real property tax.
Local businesses have been getting more customers with the presence of contractors and their workers in the municipality. Suppliers of raw materials, providers of food, transportation, and other goods and services are likewise benefiting from the A1E’s project.
Eyeing smart community status
MGen president and CEO Rogelio L. Singson vowed to transform the municipality into a progressive and smart community. Among the efforts made by MGen and A1E was the facilitation of the development of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) for the municipality.
“We put the local community at the heart of what we do and we want to ensure that as our projects progress, our communities grow and develop with us,” said Mr. Singson.
Site development activities at the power station started in 2018 and at the peak of construction, the project is expected to result in the hiring of approximately 3,000-5,000 people. Around 300 regular employees will be needed once the plant becomes operational.
Feed-in-Tariff shocker
Published December 26, 2020, 7:00 AM by Atty. Vic Dimagiba
https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/26/feed-in-tariff-shocker/
Out of the many consumer advocacies that Laban Konsyumer Inc. has undertaken, there is one that dominated its efforts in 2020. The onset of the pandemic in the first quarter, created many problems for the average Filipino – the most consuming of which would be the dificulty to make ends meet. The major reason for the increased difficulty is the escalating cost of goods and services, and the common component that always appears in an analysis of the reasons for such increase is the high cost of power. Thus the State has been on the backs of the electricity distributors for them to lower, defer, extend, and waive collection of electricity bills as a way of easing the burden of the consumers.
However, in the midst of COVID 19, the energy regulator shocked electricity consumers by approving hefty increases in Feed in Tariff (FIT) effective and retroactive to 2016 up to 2020.
What is FIT?
FIT or Feed-in-tariff is a guaranteed rate paid to selected power producers for twenty (20) years. This payment is subsidized by an ALLowance collected from consumers nationwide: thus “FIT ALL.” The electricity distributor has been required to collect FIT ALL as part of the components of the electricity bill. The collected amount is then distributed to the renewable energy producers following certain formulas. The setting of the FIT and the FIT ALL are under the supervision of the energy regulator.
For my readers’ reference, and to highlight the additional FIT that will be shouldered by the hapless consumers, it can be seen the already high FIT for solar energy 2014 entrant at P9.68/kwh is adjusted up to P11.2758/kwh for year 2020; for solar energy 2015 entrant, the FIT for 2015 was increased from P8.6900 up to P 10.1226/kwh. For solar energy 2016 entrant, the FIT was increased from P 8.6900 up to P 9.8248/kwh.
The same is true for wind energy 2014-2015 entrant, which from the original FITat P8.53/kwh, it now stands at P9.8976/kwh for year 2020. For wind 2016 entrant, the FIT was adjusted from P 7.400/kwh up to P8.5804/kwh in 2020.
In my appreciation of the sequence of events, the newly-approved FIT was tailor-fitted to increase the benefits of the industry at the expense of the consumers.
The regulator’s resolution was dated May 26, 2020, published on July 3, 2020 and took effect on July 18, 2020.
Coincidentally, of the five (5) members of the regulator, one (1) did not take part, and two (2) members retired on July 10, 2020.
The following then happened in rapid succession: the petition to increase the FIT ALLowance by P0.22 per kwh was filed on July 20, 2020, a pre–filing conference was held on July 21, 2020 and the case was docketed on August 4, 2020.
This is why Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) has been very critical about the FIT and the FIT ALL. We recently wrote a letter to the energy regulator and laid the first step to reverse the FIT hefty increases, arguing absence of notice and hearing and lack of quorum.
It is clear that the framework of the Feed in Tariff is a form of risk transfer from producers to consumers. Producers are, in effect, guaranteed FIT subsidies through the establishment of a pool of FIT-ALL funds even before they produce a single watt of electricity. To us in consumer advocacy, the welfare of the consumer is clearly the last thing on the regulator’s mind, as consumers are being forced to pay high prices for renewable energy from which they are not even reaping the benefits.
What makes matters worse, is that we have seen these surreptitious adjustments in worst possible timing, which is in the middle of a pandemic that is being faced by the nation. While other electric service providers like the Distribution Utilities and Electric Cooperatives were providing reliefs to electricity consumers during the pandemic, FIT-eligible developers continue to be paid in full and on time from the FIT ALL paid by consumers nationwide.
One thing is surely certain: FIT-ALL is not for ALL consumers.
https://mb.com.ph/2020/12/26/feed-in-tariff-shocker/
Out of the many consumer advocacies that Laban Konsyumer Inc. has undertaken, there is one that dominated its efforts in 2020. The onset of the pandemic in the first quarter, created many problems for the average Filipino – the most consuming of which would be the dificulty to make ends meet. The major reason for the increased difficulty is the escalating cost of goods and services, and the common component that always appears in an analysis of the reasons for such increase is the high cost of power. Thus the State has been on the backs of the electricity distributors for them to lower, defer, extend, and waive collection of electricity bills as a way of easing the burden of the consumers.
However, in the midst of COVID 19, the energy regulator shocked electricity consumers by approving hefty increases in Feed in Tariff (FIT) effective and retroactive to 2016 up to 2020.
What is FIT?
FIT or Feed-in-tariff is a guaranteed rate paid to selected power producers for twenty (20) years. This payment is subsidized by an ALLowance collected from consumers nationwide: thus “FIT ALL.” The electricity distributor has been required to collect FIT ALL as part of the components of the electricity bill. The collected amount is then distributed to the renewable energy producers following certain formulas. The setting of the FIT and the FIT ALL are under the supervision of the energy regulator.
For my readers’ reference, and to highlight the additional FIT that will be shouldered by the hapless consumers, it can be seen the already high FIT for solar energy 2014 entrant at P9.68/kwh is adjusted up to P11.2758/kwh for year 2020; for solar energy 2015 entrant, the FIT for 2015 was increased from P8.6900 up to P 10.1226/kwh. For solar energy 2016 entrant, the FIT was increased from P 8.6900 up to P 9.8248/kwh.
The same is true for wind energy 2014-2015 entrant, which from the original FITat P8.53/kwh, it now stands at P9.8976/kwh for year 2020. For wind 2016 entrant, the FIT was adjusted from P 7.400/kwh up to P8.5804/kwh in 2020.
In my appreciation of the sequence of events, the newly-approved FIT was tailor-fitted to increase the benefits of the industry at the expense of the consumers.
The regulator’s resolution was dated May 26, 2020, published on July 3, 2020 and took effect on July 18, 2020.
Coincidentally, of the five (5) members of the regulator, one (1) did not take part, and two (2) members retired on July 10, 2020.
The following then happened in rapid succession: the petition to increase the FIT ALLowance by P0.22 per kwh was filed on July 20, 2020, a pre–filing conference was held on July 21, 2020 and the case was docketed on August 4, 2020.
This is why Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) has been very critical about the FIT and the FIT ALL. We recently wrote a letter to the energy regulator and laid the first step to reverse the FIT hefty increases, arguing absence of notice and hearing and lack of quorum.
It is clear that the framework of the Feed in Tariff is a form of risk transfer from producers to consumers. Producers are, in effect, guaranteed FIT subsidies through the establishment of a pool of FIT-ALL funds even before they produce a single watt of electricity. To us in consumer advocacy, the welfare of the consumer is clearly the last thing on the regulator’s mind, as consumers are being forced to pay high prices for renewable energy from which they are not even reaping the benefits.
What makes matters worse, is that we have seen these surreptitious adjustments in worst possible timing, which is in the middle of a pandemic that is being faced by the nation. While other electric service providers like the Distribution Utilities and Electric Cooperatives were providing reliefs to electricity consumers during the pandemic, FIT-eligible developers continue to be paid in full and on time from the FIT ALL paid by consumers nationwide.
One thing is surely certain: FIT-ALL is not for ALL consumers.
PNOC-RC still struggling to be profitable
Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) - December 26, 2020 - 12:00am
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/26/2066229/pnoc-rc-still-struggling-be-profitable
MANILA, Philippines — State-run PNOC Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC) is still making a last ditch effort to turn its struggling business around.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said PNOC-RC is still operating and looking at projects to invest in.
“There is no advice yet from the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG). And we are looking at the projects of PNOC-RC, what projects PNOC-RC can push,” he said.
PNOC-RC is the renewable energy arm of Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) an attached agency of the DOE. The Energy secretary sits as ex-officio chairman of the PNOC board.
The GCG sought the abolition of the agency.
Pending the decision of President Duterte, PNOC-RC is still operating and exploring projects to invest in.
“PNOC-RC must look at new technologies and help in research and development paving the road for new investors,” he said.
Cusi said the state-run firm would not be able to compete with the private sector if its investments would only revolve around solar rooftops, which is the majority of its existing projects.
Unlike private companies, PNOC-RC’s investments go through a bureaucratic process.
“PNOC-RC is a GOCC, they also need to make a revenue to continue operating. The problem is if their projects are only solar rooftops, they would find it hard to compete with the private sector,” Cusi said.
During the budget hearing of DOE and its attached agencies, PNOC-RC president John Arenas said the company submitted to the Senate energy committee a “turn-around” plan to wipe out losses by 2023.
However, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the committee, did not endorse the state-run firm’s budget given the GCG recommendation. Instead, he also recommended winding down the corporation due to losses incurred in the past years.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/26/2066229/pnoc-rc-still-struggling-be-profitable
MANILA, Philippines — State-run PNOC Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC) is still making a last ditch effort to turn its struggling business around.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said PNOC-RC is still operating and looking at projects to invest in.
“There is no advice yet from the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG). And we are looking at the projects of PNOC-RC, what projects PNOC-RC can push,” he said.
PNOC-RC is the renewable energy arm of Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) an attached agency of the DOE. The Energy secretary sits as ex-officio chairman of the PNOC board.
The GCG sought the abolition of the agency.
Pending the decision of President Duterte, PNOC-RC is still operating and exploring projects to invest in.
“PNOC-RC must look at new technologies and help in research and development paving the road for new investors,” he said.
Cusi said the state-run firm would not be able to compete with the private sector if its investments would only revolve around solar rooftops, which is the majority of its existing projects.
Unlike private companies, PNOC-RC’s investments go through a bureaucratic process.
“PNOC-RC is a GOCC, they also need to make a revenue to continue operating. The problem is if their projects are only solar rooftops, they would find it hard to compete with the private sector,” Cusi said.
During the budget hearing of DOE and its attached agencies, PNOC-RC president John Arenas said the company submitted to the Senate energy committee a “turn-around” plan to wipe out losses by 2023.
However, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the committee, did not endorse the state-run firm’s budget given the GCG recommendation. Instead, he also recommended winding down the corporation due to losses incurred in the past years.
PNOC-RC still struggling to be profitable
Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) - December 26, 2020 - 12:00am
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/26/2066229/pnoc-rc-still-struggling-be-profitable
MANILA, Philippines — State-run PNOC Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC) is still making a last ditch effort to turn its struggling business around.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said PNOC-RC is still operating and looking at projects to invest in.
“There is no advice yet from the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG). And we are looking at the projects of PNOC-RC, what projects PNOC-RC can push,” he said.
PNOC-RC is the renewable energy arm of Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) an attached agency of the DOE. The Energy secretary sits as ex-officio chairman of the PNOC board.
The GCG sought the abolition of the agency.
Pending the decision of President Duterte, PNOC-RC is still operating and exploring projects to invest in.
“PNOC-RC must look at new technologies and help in research and development paving the road for new investors,” he said.
Cusi said the state-run firm would not be able to compete with the private sector if its investments would only revolve around solar rooftops, which is the majority of its existing projects.
Unlike private companies, PNOC-RC’s investments go through a bureaucratic process.
“PNOC-RC is a GOCC, they also need to make a revenue to continue operating. The problem is if their projects are only solar rooftops, they would find it hard to compete with the private sector,” Cusi said.
During the budget hearing of DOE and its attached agencies, PNOC-RC president John Arenas said the company submitted to the Senate energy committee a “turn-around” plan to wipe out losses by 2023.
However, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the committee, did not endorse the state-run firm’s budget given the GCG recommendation. Instead, he also recommended winding down the corporation due to losses incurred in the past years.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/26/2066229/pnoc-rc-still-struggling-be-profitable
MANILA, Philippines — State-run PNOC Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC) is still making a last ditch effort to turn its struggling business around.
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said PNOC-RC is still operating and looking at projects to invest in.
“There is no advice yet from the Governance Commission for Government Owned and Controlled Corporations (GCG). And we are looking at the projects of PNOC-RC, what projects PNOC-RC can push,” he said.
PNOC-RC is the renewable energy arm of Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC) an attached agency of the DOE. The Energy secretary sits as ex-officio chairman of the PNOC board.
The GCG sought the abolition of the agency.
Pending the decision of President Duterte, PNOC-RC is still operating and exploring projects to invest in.
“PNOC-RC must look at new technologies and help in research and development paving the road for new investors,” he said.
Cusi said the state-run firm would not be able to compete with the private sector if its investments would only revolve around solar rooftops, which is the majority of its existing projects.
Unlike private companies, PNOC-RC’s investments go through a bureaucratic process.
“PNOC-RC is a GOCC, they also need to make a revenue to continue operating. The problem is if their projects are only solar rooftops, they would find it hard to compete with the private sector,” Cusi said.
During the budget hearing of DOE and its attached agencies, PNOC-RC president John Arenas said the company submitted to the Senate energy committee a “turn-around” plan to wipe out losses by 2023.
However, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the committee, did not endorse the state-run firm’s budget given the GCG recommendation. Instead, he also recommended winding down the corporation due to losses incurred in the past years.
Japan's Orix to buy Spanish energy firm for about 100b yen
Sat, Dec 26, 2020 - 8:09 AM
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/energy-commodities/japans-orix-to-buy-spanish-energy-firm-for-about-100b-yen
[TOKYO] Orix Corp agreed to buy Spain's Elawan Energy, the Japanese financial conglomerate's first deal to acquire a majority stake in an overseas renewable power company, people with knowledge of the matter said.
Tokyo-based Orix is purchasing an 80 per cent stake in Elawan from its management and Spanish industrial company Acek, said the people, who asked not to be identified before an announcement. With an additional capital injection later, the deal is worth about 100 billion yen (S$1.29 billion), the people said.
The acquisition will expand Orix's global renewable energy operations as it broadens a business portfolio that ranges from leasing to banking and real estate. Acek, which also owns car parts maker Gestamp Automocion, has been selling stakes in renewable assets.
Tokyo-based Orix spokesperson Yuka Kanaoka declined to comment. A call made to Madrid-based Acek on the Christmas Day holiday went unanswered.
Elawan, set up in 2007, develops and operates wind and solar power projects in Europe and the Americas. It has 714 megawatts of operational projects, more than 460 megawatts under construction and a development pipeline of over 10 gigawatts.
Orix has been ramping up investment in renewable energy at home and abroad in recent years. The company is also looking for such assets in the US, the people said.
In September, Orix agreed to buy a roughly 20 per cent stake in Indian renewable energy developer Greenko Energy Holdings for US$980 million, the conglomerate's biggest investment in the sector overseas.
https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/energy-commodities/japans-orix-to-buy-spanish-energy-firm-for-about-100b-yen
[TOKYO] Orix Corp agreed to buy Spain's Elawan Energy, the Japanese financial conglomerate's first deal to acquire a majority stake in an overseas renewable power company, people with knowledge of the matter said.
Tokyo-based Orix is purchasing an 80 per cent stake in Elawan from its management and Spanish industrial company Acek, said the people, who asked not to be identified before an announcement. With an additional capital injection later, the deal is worth about 100 billion yen (S$1.29 billion), the people said.
The acquisition will expand Orix's global renewable energy operations as it broadens a business portfolio that ranges from leasing to banking and real estate. Acek, which also owns car parts maker Gestamp Automocion, has been selling stakes in renewable assets.
Tokyo-based Orix spokesperson Yuka Kanaoka declined to comment. A call made to Madrid-based Acek on the Christmas Day holiday went unanswered.
Elawan, set up in 2007, develops and operates wind and solar power projects in Europe and the Americas. It has 714 megawatts of operational projects, more than 460 megawatts under construction and a development pipeline of over 10 gigawatts.
Orix has been ramping up investment in renewable energy at home and abroad in recent years. The company is also looking for such assets in the US, the people said.
In September, Orix agreed to buy a roughly 20 per cent stake in Indian renewable energy developer Greenko Energy Holdings for US$980 million, the conglomerate's biggest investment in the sector overseas.
ERC grants motion of First Gen Hydro to implement P5.1908-per-kWh supply rate
posted December 25, 2020 at 06:30 pm by Alena Mae S. Flores
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/12/25/doe-sees-uys-malampaya-contract-clean/
The Energy Regulatory Commission granted the motion for reconsideration filed by First Gen Hydro Corp. to implement the P5.1908 per kilowatt-hour rate under its power supply agreement with Manila Electric Co.
“After due deliberation and evaluation of all evidence submitted and all information gathered by the commission pursuant to its regulatory powers, it resolves to grant the motion for reconsideration by applicant FGHPC,” ERC said in an order.
The regulator approved the motion of Meralco-FGHPC seeking to implement the P5.1908 per kWh rate under the PSA, subject to escalation.
FGHPC won the contract to supply Meralco 100 megawatts during the competitive selection process in September 2019 for an all-in headline rate (VAT inclusive) of P5.1908 per kWh and computed all-in levelized cost of energy (LCOE, VAT Inclusive) of P5.3989 per kWh.
Following the successful CSP, Meralco and FGHPC filed for approval of the PSA with the ERC and the regulator approved the PSA in December 2019 for lower applicable rate of P4.2366 per kWh to the parties, subject to escalation.
“Consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, the commission is obliged to allow entities involved in generation and supply to recover reasonable and prudent costs,” ERC said.
The regulator said the proposed P5.1908 per kWh rate, not subject to value added tax, is “relatively lower and more stable compared to the rates being implemented in Meralco’s expired PSAs.”
ERC also allowed the parties to recover the newly approved rated retroactively.
“Considering that all outstanding issues, as identified in its order dated December 10, 2019 have been sufficiently addressed, the Commission hereby deems it in order to grant the retroactive implementation of the reconsidered rate and fee structure,” ERC said.
ERC directed Meralco to efficiently utilize the contracted capacity from FGHPC, bearing in mind its obligation to supply at least cost.
ERC also said that since the amount granted was only provisional, the final rate that could be recovered should be determined in its final resolution.
It said that in the event that the final rate was lower than the rate previously approved, the reduction should be refunded by FGHPC to Meralco. If the final rate is higher than that provisionally granted, the resulting additional charges should be collected by FGHPC from Meralco.
ERC directed Meralco to ensure that the best available rate in the market vis-Ã -vis contract price should be used in the computation of optimum blended rates of consumers.
https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/12/25/doe-sees-uys-malampaya-contract-clean/
The Energy Regulatory Commission granted the motion for reconsideration filed by First Gen Hydro Corp. to implement the P5.1908 per kilowatt-hour rate under its power supply agreement with Manila Electric Co.
“After due deliberation and evaluation of all evidence submitted and all information gathered by the commission pursuant to its regulatory powers, it resolves to grant the motion for reconsideration by applicant FGHPC,” ERC said in an order.
The regulator approved the motion of Meralco-FGHPC seeking to implement the P5.1908 per kWh rate under the PSA, subject to escalation.
FGHPC won the contract to supply Meralco 100 megawatts during the competitive selection process in September 2019 for an all-in headline rate (VAT inclusive) of P5.1908 per kWh and computed all-in levelized cost of energy (LCOE, VAT Inclusive) of P5.3989 per kWh.
Following the successful CSP, Meralco and FGHPC filed for approval of the PSA with the ERC and the regulator approved the PSA in December 2019 for lower applicable rate of P4.2366 per kWh to the parties, subject to escalation.
“Consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 9136, otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, the commission is obliged to allow entities involved in generation and supply to recover reasonable and prudent costs,” ERC said.
The regulator said the proposed P5.1908 per kWh rate, not subject to value added tax, is “relatively lower and more stable compared to the rates being implemented in Meralco’s expired PSAs.”
ERC also allowed the parties to recover the newly approved rated retroactively.
“Considering that all outstanding issues, as identified in its order dated December 10, 2019 have been sufficiently addressed, the Commission hereby deems it in order to grant the retroactive implementation of the reconsidered rate and fee structure,” ERC said.
ERC directed Meralco to efficiently utilize the contracted capacity from FGHPC, bearing in mind its obligation to supply at least cost.
ERC also said that since the amount granted was only provisional, the final rate that could be recovered should be determined in its final resolution.
It said that in the event that the final rate was lower than the rate previously approved, the reduction should be refunded by FGHPC to Meralco. If the final rate is higher than that provisionally granted, the resulting additional charges should be collected by FGHPC from Meralco.
ERC directed Meralco to ensure that the best available rate in the market vis-Ã -vis contract price should be used in the computation of optimum blended rates of consumers.
Cusi asks energy companies to be more considerate
posted December 25, 2020 at 06:40 pm by Alena Mae S. Flores
https://manilastandard.net/index.php/business/power-technology/342926/cusi-asks-energy-companies-to-be-more-considerate.html
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday encourages energy players to be more considerate to consumers during the pandemic as he welcomed the move of Manila Electric Co. to extend its ‘no-disconnection’ policy for non-payment of bills from Dec. 31, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021.
“I encourage all other players in the energy sector to be magnanimous and considerate in light of the challenges brought about by the pandemic,” Cusi said.
Cusi lauded House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco for requesting to extend Meralco’s no disconnection policy for non-payment of bills during the holiday season.
The House leader earlier wrote a letter to Meralco president Ray Espinosa, requesting the utility giant to extend the no-disconnection policy for the entire Christmas season and until the end of January 2021.
Velasco said extending the no-disconnection period would help ease the burden of Meralco customers grappling with the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“We appreciate that Meralco had extended the same courtesy during the height of the nationwide lockdown, and we expect that the company will be as considerate this yuletide season,” Velasco said in his Nov. 30 letter.
Espinosa, in his response, agreed to Velasco’s request for the extension after “careful evaluation and in consideration.”
Espinosa said the extended grace period would benefit more than 3 million Meralco customers with consumption of 200 kilowatts per hour and below during the billing month of December.
The number represents around 47 percent of Meralco’s total customer base, according to Espinosa.
Velasco said Meralco’s move was very welcome in keeping with the spirit of bayanihan amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The extended grace period being given to our fellow Filipinos during the holiday season will provide much-needed reprieve to those reeling from the devastating effects of the pandemic and natural calamities,” Velasco said.
“This good gesture on the part of Meralco will go a long way in helping our kababayans feel secure this Christmas,” he said.
Velasco thanked Espinosa for “showing true bayanihan spirit and empathizing with the plight of our indigent countrymen.”
“This is how we overcome the devastating effects of this pandemic, with leaders from both private and public sectors working together to make lives better,” Velasco said.
https://manilastandard.net/index.php/business/power-technology/342926/cusi-asks-energy-companies-to-be-more-considerate.html
Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi on Thursday encourages energy players to be more considerate to consumers during the pandemic as he welcomed the move of Manila Electric Co. to extend its ‘no-disconnection’ policy for non-payment of bills from Dec. 31, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021.
“I encourage all other players in the energy sector to be magnanimous and considerate in light of the challenges brought about by the pandemic,” Cusi said.
Cusi lauded House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco for requesting to extend Meralco’s no disconnection policy for non-payment of bills during the holiday season.
The House leader earlier wrote a letter to Meralco president Ray Espinosa, requesting the utility giant to extend the no-disconnection policy for the entire Christmas season and until the end of January 2021.
Velasco said extending the no-disconnection period would help ease the burden of Meralco customers grappling with the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“We appreciate that Meralco had extended the same courtesy during the height of the nationwide lockdown, and we expect that the company will be as considerate this yuletide season,” Velasco said in his Nov. 30 letter.
Espinosa, in his response, agreed to Velasco’s request for the extension after “careful evaluation and in consideration.”
Espinosa said the extended grace period would benefit more than 3 million Meralco customers with consumption of 200 kilowatts per hour and below during the billing month of December.
The number represents around 47 percent of Meralco’s total customer base, according to Espinosa.
Velasco said Meralco’s move was very welcome in keeping with the spirit of bayanihan amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The extended grace period being given to our fellow Filipinos during the holiday season will provide much-needed reprieve to those reeling from the devastating effects of the pandemic and natural calamities,” Velasco said.
“This good gesture on the part of Meralco will go a long way in helping our kababayans feel secure this Christmas,” he said.
Velasco thanked Espinosa for “showing true bayanihan spirit and empathizing with the plight of our indigent countrymen.”
“This is how we overcome the devastating effects of this pandemic, with leaders from both private and public sectors working together to make lives better,” Velasco said.
Petron offers free one-year fuel supply
posted December 24, 2020 at 07:30 pm by Alena Mae S. Flores
https://manilastandard.net/business/power-technology/342858/petron-offers-free-one-year-fuel-supply.html
Petron Corp. is offering a free one-year supply of fuel as part of a 12-day promo for loyal customers.
Petron has been giving away big prizes and discounts daily through its 12 Days of Merry promo for all Petron Value Card holders.
“This is our way of giving back to all the motorists who continue to make Petron their fuel brand of choice. While this year’s Christmas will be quite different, we still want to give something special to our customers by rewarding them for their loyalty and putting more savings in their pockets,” said Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang.
Petron saved the best prize for last on Dec. 25 when 12 lucky customers can win a one-year supply of fuel equivalent to P88,000. For a minimum P500 single-receipt purchase of any Petron fuel on Dec. 25, a customer can qualify for one raffle entry to join the online raffle.
The customers will receive an SMS notification with the raffle reference number as proof of promo entry via their Petron Loyalty Card registered number.
https://manilastandard.net/business/power-technology/342858/petron-offers-free-one-year-fuel-supply.html
Petron Corp. is offering a free one-year supply of fuel as part of a 12-day promo for loyal customers.
Petron has been giving away big prizes and discounts daily through its 12 Days of Merry promo for all Petron Value Card holders.
“This is our way of giving back to all the motorists who continue to make Petron their fuel brand of choice. While this year’s Christmas will be quite different, we still want to give something special to our customers by rewarding them for their loyalty and putting more savings in their pockets,” said Petron president and chief executive Ramon Ang.
Petron saved the best prize for last on Dec. 25 when 12 lucky customers can win a one-year supply of fuel equivalent to P88,000. For a minimum P500 single-receipt purchase of any Petron fuel on Dec. 25, a customer can qualify for one raffle entry to join the online raffle.
The customers will receive an SMS notification with the raffle reference number as proof of promo entry via their Petron Loyalty Card registered number.
DOE, DPWH eye joint circular to relocate over 50,000 electric poles
posted December 24, 2020 at 07:35 pm by Alena Mae S. Flores
https://manilastandard.net/business/power-technology/342871/doe-dpwh-eye-joint-circular-to-relocate-over-50-000-electric-poles-.html
The Department of Energy and the Department of Public Works and Highways plan to issue a third joint circular to relocate over 50,000 electric poles obstructing national roads and highways.
The draft circular will provide a the mechanism for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the national government’s right of way and give a timeline.
Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2017, prescribed the uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and recovery of cost to relocate electric cooperative and sub-transmission lines.
Section 13 of JC1 provides that “within one year from the effectivity of this joint circular, the National Electrification Administration and Electric Cooperative shall cause the removal and relocation of any improperly located facility in the government’s right-of-way, subject to payment of compensation provided in the circular”.
The DOE and the DPWH adopted Joint Circular No. 2 to extend the period of relocation of obstructing facilities provided in Section 13 of JC1, for up to Dec. 31, 2019. The deadline provided in JC2 lapsed while a significant number of poles remained in the government’s right-of-way that raised public safety concerns.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in a hearing called by Senate Committee on Energy, raised concerns over the delay in the relocation of the poles. About 59,640 electric poles still need to be relocated and compensated, according to the NEA.
Under the proposed third circular, all relevant stakeholders recognize that the period provided in JC2 is not sufficient as relocation of the poles were not timely implemented because of circumstances beyond the control of the ECs and the concerned national government agencies.
“Considering that removal of the electric poles obstructing in the national roads and highways is still a primordial concern of the government, the IATF, in its Resolution No. 1 Series of 2020, recommended to dispense the classification and deadline of the submission of the requisites for the 59,640 electric poles endorsed by NEA, and extend the period of relocation set forth in JC1 and JC2, to accomplish the complete clearing of electric poles in the government’s right-of-way,” the circular read.
The IATF also recommended the adoption of a new DOE and DPWH joint circular to provide mechanisms and timeline for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the government’s right-of-way.
https://manilastandard.net/business/power-technology/342871/doe-dpwh-eye-joint-circular-to-relocate-over-50-000-electric-poles-.html
The Department of Energy and the Department of Public Works and Highways plan to issue a third joint circular to relocate over 50,000 electric poles obstructing national roads and highways.
The draft circular will provide a the mechanism for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the national government’s right of way and give a timeline.
Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2017, prescribed the uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and recovery of cost to relocate electric cooperative and sub-transmission lines.
Section 13 of JC1 provides that “within one year from the effectivity of this joint circular, the National Electrification Administration and Electric Cooperative shall cause the removal and relocation of any improperly located facility in the government’s right-of-way, subject to payment of compensation provided in the circular”.
The DOE and the DPWH adopted Joint Circular No. 2 to extend the period of relocation of obstructing facilities provided in Section 13 of JC1, for up to Dec. 31, 2019. The deadline provided in JC2 lapsed while a significant number of poles remained in the government’s right-of-way that raised public safety concerns.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in a hearing called by Senate Committee on Energy, raised concerns over the delay in the relocation of the poles. About 59,640 electric poles still need to be relocated and compensated, according to the NEA.
Under the proposed third circular, all relevant stakeholders recognize that the period provided in JC2 is not sufficient as relocation of the poles were not timely implemented because of circumstances beyond the control of the ECs and the concerned national government agencies.
“Considering that removal of the electric poles obstructing in the national roads and highways is still a primordial concern of the government, the IATF, in its Resolution No. 1 Series of 2020, recommended to dispense the classification and deadline of the submission of the requisites for the 59,640 electric poles endorsed by NEA, and extend the period of relocation set forth in JC1 and JC2, to accomplish the complete clearing of electric poles in the government’s right-of-way,” the circular read.
The IATF also recommended the adoption of a new DOE and DPWH joint circular to provide mechanisms and timeline for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the government’s right-of-way.
NGCP proposes tax-exempt vaccine deals for private companies
Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) - December 24, 2020 - 12:00am
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/24/2065893/ngcp-proposes-tax-exempt-vaccine-deals-private-companies
MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the support of Congress to allow private companies to procure COVID-19 vaccines tax-free.
NGCP president and CEO Anthony Almeda said they are asking Congress to pass a law encouraging the private sector to provide vaccination to employees.
“Vaccination, as well as mass testing, is focally critical in the fight against COVID-19. We need to prevent, detect, isolate and treat. We need to jumpstart the economy now, but we need to ensure that we stack the odds against infections in the workplace,” he said.
“With a vaccination program in place for the private sector, more businesses and industries will be able to regain some semblance of normal activity, bounce back, and put the economy on its way to recovery after almost a year of slowdown,” Almeda said.
The NGCP official also appealed to lawmakers to allow private companies to import, tax-free, COVID-19 vaccines for the use of their employees.
He said this would enable businesses to give the economy a much-needed boost in activity.
The power grid operator is monitoring the progress and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in other countries.
It is also assessing the possibility of providing its employees, including essential personnel composed of grid dispatchers and transmission line personnel, with the necessary doses as soon as these become available. NGCP has a 5,000-strong workforce.
The company is also pushing other public and private entities to protect their employees.
“We encourage our counterparts in both the public and private sectors to be similarly proactive in protecting their employees, so that we can keep the economy running at full speed,” Almeda said.
NGCP said it continues to help local governments, national health agencies, and various communities fight the disease.
It earlier donated P1 billion to the national government to aid Filipinos in the early days of quarantine protocols.
About 1.25 million food bags, 10 mechanical ventilators, 6 RT-PCR machines, 20,520 test kits, 100 test booths, and testing services, 9 ambulances, 1 isolation room, and 4.6 million PPEs (masks, gloves, bunny suits etc.) were donated to over 1,028 LGUs, more than 300 public and private medical facilities, and countless other public and private organizations.
Just this month, NGCP donated three additional ambulances to various local governments hosting its facilities, and 10,000 test kits, 50 test booths, and testing services to Pasay City.
NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and vice chairman Henry Sy Jr. and co-vice chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/24/2065893/ngcp-proposes-tax-exempt-vaccine-deals-private-companies
MANILA, Philippines — The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking the support of Congress to allow private companies to procure COVID-19 vaccines tax-free.
NGCP president and CEO Anthony Almeda said they are asking Congress to pass a law encouraging the private sector to provide vaccination to employees.
“Vaccination, as well as mass testing, is focally critical in the fight against COVID-19. We need to prevent, detect, isolate and treat. We need to jumpstart the economy now, but we need to ensure that we stack the odds against infections in the workplace,” he said.
“With a vaccination program in place for the private sector, more businesses and industries will be able to regain some semblance of normal activity, bounce back, and put the economy on its way to recovery after almost a year of slowdown,” Almeda said.
The NGCP official also appealed to lawmakers to allow private companies to import, tax-free, COVID-19 vaccines for the use of their employees.
He said this would enable businesses to give the economy a much-needed boost in activity.
The power grid operator is monitoring the progress and rollout of COVID-19 vaccines in other countries.
It is also assessing the possibility of providing its employees, including essential personnel composed of grid dispatchers and transmission line personnel, with the necessary doses as soon as these become available. NGCP has a 5,000-strong workforce.
The company is also pushing other public and private entities to protect their employees.
“We encourage our counterparts in both the public and private sectors to be similarly proactive in protecting their employees, so that we can keep the economy running at full speed,” Almeda said.
NGCP said it continues to help local governments, national health agencies, and various communities fight the disease.
It earlier donated P1 billion to the national government to aid Filipinos in the early days of quarantine protocols.
About 1.25 million food bags, 10 mechanical ventilators, 6 RT-PCR machines, 20,520 test kits, 100 test booths, and testing services, 9 ambulances, 1 isolation room, and 4.6 million PPEs (masks, gloves, bunny suits etc.) were donated to over 1,028 LGUs, more than 300 public and private medical facilities, and countless other public and private organizations.
Just this month, NGCP donated three additional ambulances to various local governments hosting its facilities, and 10,000 test kits, 50 test booths, and testing services to Pasay City.
NGCP is a Filipino-led, privately owned company in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid, led by majority shareholders and vice chairman Henry Sy Jr. and co-vice chairman Robert Coyiuto Jr.
MGen takes full ownership of GBP
(The Philippine Star ) - December 24, 2020 - 12:00am
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/24/2065886/mgen-takes-full-ownership-gbp
MANILA, Philippines — Gokongwei-owned JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) are consolidating their power sector investments under Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
Under the plan, JG Summit and MPIC will transfer their respective shareholdings in Global Business Power Corp. to Meralco subsidiary Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen).
“MGen announced the signing of agreements with Beacon Powergen Holding Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MPIC and with JG Summit for the transfer of their respective shareholdings in Global Business Power to MGen for the purchase price of P22.4 billion and P12 billion, respectively,” Meralco said in a stock disclosure yesterday.
The purchase price shall be paid in installments or 60 percent at the close of the transaction which is expected in the first quarter of 2021, and 20 percent to be paid six months after and the remaining 20 percent will be paid after 18 months.
MPIC holds a 56 percent interest in Global Business Power while JG Summit holds a 30 percent interest. The remaining 14 percent is held by MGen.
In Meralco, MPIC holds a 45.46 percent stake while JGS holds a 29.56 percent interest.
As a result of the transaction, MGen will own 100 percent of Global Business Power, the leading power producer in the country outside Luzon with a capacity of 1,091 megawatts. MGen plans to build a portfolio of 3,000 MW in five years.
The newly combined MGen and Global Business Power will be able to respond to the needs of the country as the economy makes a strong rebound in 2021 especially with the COVID-19 vaccines, MPIC president and CEO Jose Ma. Lim.
JG Summit president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said combining MGen and Global Business Power under Meralco is the next step up for the two conglomerates.
“We are happy with how Global Business Power has performed since our investment in 2016. The challenge now is how to further grow the business and take it to the next level. I am confident that combining this under Meralco where JG Summit is also a significant shareholder is the best way to achieve synergies and create further value,” Gokongwei said.
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/12/24/2065886/mgen-takes-full-ownership-gbp
MANILA, Philippines — Gokongwei-owned JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Pangilinan-led Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) are consolidating their power sector investments under Manila Electric Co. (Meralco).
Under the plan, JG Summit and MPIC will transfer their respective shareholdings in Global Business Power Corp. to Meralco subsidiary Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen).
“MGen announced the signing of agreements with Beacon Powergen Holding Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of MPIC and with JG Summit for the transfer of their respective shareholdings in Global Business Power to MGen for the purchase price of P22.4 billion and P12 billion, respectively,” Meralco said in a stock disclosure yesterday.
The purchase price shall be paid in installments or 60 percent at the close of the transaction which is expected in the first quarter of 2021, and 20 percent to be paid six months after and the remaining 20 percent will be paid after 18 months.
MPIC holds a 56 percent interest in Global Business Power while JG Summit holds a 30 percent interest. The remaining 14 percent is held by MGen.
In Meralco, MPIC holds a 45.46 percent stake while JGS holds a 29.56 percent interest.
As a result of the transaction, MGen will own 100 percent of Global Business Power, the leading power producer in the country outside Luzon with a capacity of 1,091 megawatts. MGen plans to build a portfolio of 3,000 MW in five years.
The newly combined MGen and Global Business Power will be able to respond to the needs of the country as the economy makes a strong rebound in 2021 especially with the COVID-19 vaccines, MPIC president and CEO Jose Ma. Lim.
JG Summit president and CEO Lance Gokongwei said combining MGen and Global Business Power under Meralco is the next step up for the two conglomerates.
“We are happy with how Global Business Power has performed since our investment in 2016. The challenge now is how to further grow the business and take it to the next level. I am confident that combining this under Meralco where JG Summit is also a significant shareholder is the best way to achieve synergies and create further value,” Gokongwei said.
Lawmaker to Meralco: Extend grace period to July
By Divina Nova Joy Dela Cruz December 24, 2020
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/24/news/national/lawmaker-to-meralco-extend-grace-period-to-july/816738/
Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate of the Bayan Muna party-list welcomed the granting of the Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) extension of its no-disconnection period until January 31 next year, but asked the power distributor to further stretch it to six more months, or until July, as the pandemic persists.
With the extension, services for electricity consumers with a consumption of 200 kilowatts per hour and below during the December 2020 billing will not be disconnected. Meralco projected the extension to benefit more than 3 million consumers or around 47 percent of its total customer base.
The power distributor announced the extension after several groups, including House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco made the request. This was after the power distributor had extended the previous deadline of unpaid electricity bills from Sept. 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020.
“This is a much welcome move but we urge Meralco to further extend its no disconnection period for at least six months so that electricity consumers would be in a better position to pay their bills considering that many lost their jobs and are finding it hard to just put a meal on the table,” Zarate said.
Meanwhile, despite the development, Zarate is still hoping that congressional investigation on Meralco’s rates will still push through.
Zarate is among the authors of House Resolution (HR) 879, seeking to probe the sudden spike in electricity rates, and HR 1350, seeking to probe Meralco’s alleged payment of overpriced generation rates.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/24/news/national/lawmaker-to-meralco-extend-grace-period-to-july/816738/
Deputy Minority Leader Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate of the Bayan Muna party-list welcomed the granting of the Manila Electric Co.’s (Meralco) extension of its no-disconnection period until January 31 next year, but asked the power distributor to further stretch it to six more months, or until July, as the pandemic persists.
With the extension, services for electricity consumers with a consumption of 200 kilowatts per hour and below during the December 2020 billing will not be disconnected. Meralco projected the extension to benefit more than 3 million consumers or around 47 percent of its total customer base.
The power distributor announced the extension after several groups, including House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco made the request. This was after the power distributor had extended the previous deadline of unpaid electricity bills from Sept. 30, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2020.
“This is a much welcome move but we urge Meralco to further extend its no disconnection period for at least six months so that electricity consumers would be in a better position to pay their bills considering that many lost their jobs and are finding it hard to just put a meal on the table,” Zarate said.
Meanwhile, despite the development, Zarate is still hoping that congressional investigation on Meralco’s rates will still push through.
Zarate is among the authors of House Resolution (HR) 879, seeking to probe the sudden spike in electricity rates, and HR 1350, seeking to probe Meralco’s alleged payment of overpriced generation rates.
PHL needs a clear energy transition plan
By BusinessMirror Editorial December 24, 2020
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/12/24/phl-needs-a-clear-energy-transition-plan/
Recent reports on vaccines working effectively make us optimistic about the Philippine economic forecast in 2021. Effective vaccines will help ignite faster economic recovery. Government has said that gross domestic product growth would recover and expand in 2021 by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. Global financial giant Morgan Stanley is more bullish about the Philippines’s strong economic rebound next year against a backdrop of low inflation and the government’s infrastructure development push. In a recent report, Morgan Stanley hiked its 2021 GDP growth forecast for the Philippines to 13.5 percent from 13.1 percent.
Predictions that the Philippines can come out of the Covid-19 crisis with enhanced economic competitiveness are most welcome. However, historical data has shown that when the Philippines experienced fast economic growth, that expansion was directly proportional to electricity consumption. Thus, a sustained GDP growth entails rising demand in electricity.
Here’s the good news: Amid the pandemic, power rates have been on a downward trend as Meralco announced another reduction in consumers’ electricity bills, pushing rates to their lowest in three years. Meralco recently said that customers will have a net rate reduction of P1.3870 per kWh, equivalent to a bill reduction of more than P277 for a 200-kWh household. The lower power rates were partly attributed to Meralco’s new Power Supply Agreements, secured after a transparent competitive selection process last year. The new PSAs resulted in additional power supply and capacity to the grid, while leading to lower electricity prices for consumers.
Now the bad news: Despite the downward power rates trend, the current campaign for renewable energy (RE) as an immediate alternative source to produce baseload capacity may backfire on consumers in the short-term. That’s because the country’s power grid is not yet suited to handle 100-percent renewable energy. If the economy has to grow next year as projected, more baseload power is needed.
Here’s the tricky part: Power generation companies running natural gas power plants also claim that natural gas is a cleaner power source compared with coal, which is cheaper. This is untrue, according to National Energy Technology Laboratory in the US. While natural gas emits 50 percent less carbon dioxide, it doesn’t mean it’s zero CO2, NETL said. CO2 is not only the harmful emission generated by natural gas development. It also generates methane, which, according to NETL, is a very powerful greenhouse gas. In the first two decades after its release, methane is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
No one disagrees with the use of renewable energy. However, at its technological infancy, RE is neither cheap nor reliable. With the exception of hydroelectric plants, RE is still an expensive and unreliable option for a country emerging from Covid devastation. By the sheer volume of our rising power demand based on our 2021 economic growth forecast, we need cheap and reliable sources of power that can provide us with a stable baseload generating capacity. That will insulate us from shortages and prevent speculators from playing the wholesale electricity spot market every time reserves become thin.
The Philippines, which is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, can help in the global efforts to avert climate crisis by adopting a comprehensive energy transition plan. The government must do this with the power consumers in mind. We need strong action, which will ensure that Filipinos will be paying less to keep their lights on.
It’s encouraging to know that Meralco, the country’s largest utility distribution company, supports the zero-carbon emission global plan. Meralco PowerGen, the power generation arm of Meralco, said it supports DOE’s energy mix plan to ensure the country’s energy security. The company is focusing on sustaining energy for the country’s future through the implementation of an energy transition plan.
MGen President and CEO Rogelio Singson said that contrary to widespread belief that the company is purely focusing on building coal-fired power plants, the company is now into an energy transition plan, which will allow them to introduce RE sources to generate additional power supply. Singson said: “We will develop more renewable projects and, at the same time, be conscious of our need to generate lowest cost electricity to reach the farthest communities in the country.”
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/12/24/phl-needs-a-clear-energy-transition-plan/
Recent reports on vaccines working effectively make us optimistic about the Philippine economic forecast in 2021. Effective vaccines will help ignite faster economic recovery. Government has said that gross domestic product growth would recover and expand in 2021 by 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent. Global financial giant Morgan Stanley is more bullish about the Philippines’s strong economic rebound next year against a backdrop of low inflation and the government’s infrastructure development push. In a recent report, Morgan Stanley hiked its 2021 GDP growth forecast for the Philippines to 13.5 percent from 13.1 percent.
Predictions that the Philippines can come out of the Covid-19 crisis with enhanced economic competitiveness are most welcome. However, historical data has shown that when the Philippines experienced fast economic growth, that expansion was directly proportional to electricity consumption. Thus, a sustained GDP growth entails rising demand in electricity.
Here’s the good news: Amid the pandemic, power rates have been on a downward trend as Meralco announced another reduction in consumers’ electricity bills, pushing rates to their lowest in three years. Meralco recently said that customers will have a net rate reduction of P1.3870 per kWh, equivalent to a bill reduction of more than P277 for a 200-kWh household. The lower power rates were partly attributed to Meralco’s new Power Supply Agreements, secured after a transparent competitive selection process last year. The new PSAs resulted in additional power supply and capacity to the grid, while leading to lower electricity prices for consumers.
Now the bad news: Despite the downward power rates trend, the current campaign for renewable energy (RE) as an immediate alternative source to produce baseload capacity may backfire on consumers in the short-term. That’s because the country’s power grid is not yet suited to handle 100-percent renewable energy. If the economy has to grow next year as projected, more baseload power is needed.
Here’s the tricky part: Power generation companies running natural gas power plants also claim that natural gas is a cleaner power source compared with coal, which is cheaper. This is untrue, according to National Energy Technology Laboratory in the US. While natural gas emits 50 percent less carbon dioxide, it doesn’t mean it’s zero CO2, NETL said. CO2 is not only the harmful emission generated by natural gas development. It also generates methane, which, according to NETL, is a very powerful greenhouse gas. In the first two decades after its release, methane is 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
No one disagrees with the use of renewable energy. However, at its technological infancy, RE is neither cheap nor reliable. With the exception of hydroelectric plants, RE is still an expensive and unreliable option for a country emerging from Covid devastation. By the sheer volume of our rising power demand based on our 2021 economic growth forecast, we need cheap and reliable sources of power that can provide us with a stable baseload generating capacity. That will insulate us from shortages and prevent speculators from playing the wholesale electricity spot market every time reserves become thin.
The Philippines, which is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, can help in the global efforts to avert climate crisis by adopting a comprehensive energy transition plan. The government must do this with the power consumers in mind. We need strong action, which will ensure that Filipinos will be paying less to keep their lights on.
It’s encouraging to know that Meralco, the country’s largest utility distribution company, supports the zero-carbon emission global plan. Meralco PowerGen, the power generation arm of Meralco, said it supports DOE’s energy mix plan to ensure the country’s energy security. The company is focusing on sustaining energy for the country’s future through the implementation of an energy transition plan.
MGen President and CEO Rogelio Singson said that contrary to widespread belief that the company is purely focusing on building coal-fired power plants, the company is now into an energy transition plan, which will allow them to introduce RE sources to generate additional power supply. Singson said: “We will develop more renewable projects and, at the same time, be conscious of our need to generate lowest cost electricity to reach the farthest communities in the country.”
AC Energy infuses P350M to land unit
By: Ronnel Domingo - 04:04 AM December 24, 2020
https://business.inquirer.net/314633/ac-energy-infuses-p350m-to-land-unit
AC Energy Philippines Inc. (Acen) is infusing P350 million into its subsidiary Buendia Christiana Holdings Corp. (BCHC) to support the latter’s acquisition of land that will be used in Acen’s potential projects.Acen said in a disclosure it signed an agreement with BCHC for the subscription of 3.5 million preferred shares in BCHC at P100 apiece.
The total amount is to be paid with an initial P150 million, and the remainder to be paid in tranches on demand.
“The subscription will be used by BCHC to fund acquisition of potential project sites,” the Ayala group’s power generation platform said.
BCHC is a special purpose vehicle set up to own land for Acen’s development projects.
Earlier this week, Acen said the Philippine Stock Exchange approved last Dec. 16 its application for the listing of close to 2.27 billion shares.
Acen is gearing up for a stocks right offering, with the shares to be issued priced at P2.37 apiece, subject to approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.Acen expects to complete in the next three quarters its transformation from what was Phinma Energy Corp. into the Ayala group’s power generation platform for both domestic and overseas projects.
Through this transition, Acen plans to raise as much as $600 million, which will help in achieving their goal of building a portfolio of 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025.Company president John Eric Francia earlier said Acen was already past the halfway mark with 2,550 MW, expressing confidence that the goal will be met ahead of schedule or as early as next year.
Acen already has 1,350 MW of renewable capacity under its belt and by next year, the company expects to add 1,200 MW.
This additional capacity represents Acen’s equity in various projects across the region—the Philippines, Australia, India and Vietnam—that have an aggregate renewable energy-based generating capacity of 1,500 MW. INQ
https://business.inquirer.net/314633/ac-energy-infuses-p350m-to-land-unit
AC Energy Philippines Inc. (Acen) is infusing P350 million into its subsidiary Buendia Christiana Holdings Corp. (BCHC) to support the latter’s acquisition of land that will be used in Acen’s potential projects.Acen said in a disclosure it signed an agreement with BCHC for the subscription of 3.5 million preferred shares in BCHC at P100 apiece.
The total amount is to be paid with an initial P150 million, and the remainder to be paid in tranches on demand.
“The subscription will be used by BCHC to fund acquisition of potential project sites,” the Ayala group’s power generation platform said.
BCHC is a special purpose vehicle set up to own land for Acen’s development projects.
Earlier this week, Acen said the Philippine Stock Exchange approved last Dec. 16 its application for the listing of close to 2.27 billion shares.
Acen is gearing up for a stocks right offering, with the shares to be issued priced at P2.37 apiece, subject to approval by the Securities and Exchange Commission.Acen expects to complete in the next three quarters its transformation from what was Phinma Energy Corp. into the Ayala group’s power generation platform for both domestic and overseas projects.
Through this transition, Acen plans to raise as much as $600 million, which will help in achieving their goal of building a portfolio of 5,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2025.Company president John Eric Francia earlier said Acen was already past the halfway mark with 2,550 MW, expressing confidence that the goal will be met ahead of schedule or as early as next year.
Acen already has 1,350 MW of renewable capacity under its belt and by next year, the company expects to add 1,200 MW.
This additional capacity represents Acen’s equity in various projects across the region—the Philippines, Australia, India and Vietnam—that have an aggregate renewable energy-based generating capacity of 1,500 MW. INQ
Electricity restored in ‘Vicky’-hit areas
By Jordeene B. Lagare December 24, 2020
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/24/news/regions/electricity-restored-in-vicky-hit-areas/816324/
POWER supply had been restored in the majority of areas hit by Typhoon “Vicky” (international name: “Krovanh”), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) said on Tuesday.
As of Monday, electricity was back to normal in many areas in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Cagayan, based on a monitoring report of the NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department.
The Surigao del Sur 1 Electric Cooperative Inc. (Surseco 1) reported that power in the municipalities of Hinatuan and Barobo had been fully restored, while Bislig City and the towns of Lingig and Tagbina were partly restored.
The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. has completely restored power distribution services in Bayugan City, Esperanza, La Paz, Loreto, Prosperidad, Rosario, San Francisco, San Luis, Santa Josefa, Sibagat, Talacogon, Trento and Veruela and partly restored them in Bunawan.
Meanwhile, the Cagayan 1 Electric Cooperative Inc. reported that it had fully restored electricity in Baggao, Piat, Rizal, Sto. Niño, Iguig, Peñablanca and Tuao; and partly restored it in Tuguegarao City and the towns of Alcala, Amulung, Enrile and Solana.
The same report also showed Surseco 1 suffered P1.524 million worth of damage from Vicky.
The NEA assured those affected that the work continues to restore electricity to the remaining areas serviced by three electric cooperatives in areas hit by the typhoon.
Tropical Depression Vicky, the 22nd tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the first for December, left the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday, according to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/12/24/news/regions/electricity-restored-in-vicky-hit-areas/816324/
POWER supply had been restored in the majority of areas hit by Typhoon “Vicky” (international name: “Krovanh”), the National Electrification Administration (NEA) said on Tuesday.
As of Monday, electricity was back to normal in many areas in the provinces of Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur and Cagayan, based on a monitoring report of the NEA Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Department.
The Surigao del Sur 1 Electric Cooperative Inc. (Surseco 1) reported that power in the municipalities of Hinatuan and Barobo had been fully restored, while Bislig City and the towns of Lingig and Tagbina were partly restored.
The Agusan del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. has completely restored power distribution services in Bayugan City, Esperanza, La Paz, Loreto, Prosperidad, Rosario, San Francisco, San Luis, Santa Josefa, Sibagat, Talacogon, Trento and Veruela and partly restored them in Bunawan.
Meanwhile, the Cagayan 1 Electric Cooperative Inc. reported that it had fully restored electricity in Baggao, Piat, Rizal, Sto. Niño, Iguig, Peñablanca and Tuao; and partly restored it in Tuguegarao City and the towns of Alcala, Amulung, Enrile and Solana.
The same report also showed Surseco 1 suffered P1.524 million worth of damage from Vicky.
The NEA assured those affected that the work continues to restore electricity to the remaining areas serviced by three electric cooperatives in areas hit by the typhoon.
Tropical Depression Vicky, the 22nd tropical cyclone to enter the country this year and the first for December, left the Philippine area of responsibility on Sunday, according to state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.
DOE, DPWH eye joint circular to relocate over 50,000 electric poles
posted December 24, 2020 at 07:35 pm by Alena Mae S. Flores
https://manilastandard.net/business/power-technology/342871/doe-dpwh-eye-joint-circular-to-relocate-over-50-000-electric-poles-.html
The Department of Energy and the Department of Public Works and Highways plan to issue a third joint circular to relocate over 50,000 electric poles obstructing national roads and highways.
The draft circular will provide a the mechanism for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the national government’s right of way and give a timeline.
Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2017, prescribed the uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and recovery of cost to relocate electric cooperative and sub-transmission lines.
Section 13 of JC1 provides that “within one year from the effectivity of this joint circular, the National Electrification Administration and Electric Cooperative shall cause the removal and relocation of any improperly located facility in the government’s right-of-way, subject to payment of compensation provided in the circular”.
The DOE and the DPWH adopted Joint Circular No. 2 to extend the period of relocation of obstructing facilities provided in Section 13 of JC1, for up to Dec. 31, 2019. The deadline provided in JC2 lapsed while a significant number of poles remained in the government’s right-of-way that raised public safety concerns.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in a hearing called by Senate Committee on Energy, raised concerns over the delay in the relocation of the poles. About 59,640 electric poles still need to be relocated and compensated, according to the NEA.
Under the proposed third circular, all relevant stakeholders recognize that the period provided in JC2 is not sufficient as relocation of the poles were not timely implemented because of circumstances beyond the control of the ECs and the concerned national government agencies.
“Considering that removal of the electric poles obstructing in the national roads and highways is still a primordial concern of the government, the IATF, in its Resolution No. 1 Series of 2020, recommended to dispense the classification and deadline of the submission of the requisites for the 59,640 electric poles endorsed by NEA, and extend the period of relocation set forth in JC1 and JC2, to accomplish the complete clearing of electric poles in the government’s right-of-way,” the circular read.
The IATF also recommended the adoption of a new DOE and DPWH joint circular to provide mechanisms and timeline for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the government’s right-of-way.
https://manilastandard.net/business/power-technology/342871/doe-dpwh-eye-joint-circular-to-relocate-over-50-000-electric-poles-.html
The Department of Energy and the Department of Public Works and Highways plan to issue a third joint circular to relocate over 50,000 electric poles obstructing national roads and highways.
The draft circular will provide a the mechanism for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the national government’s right of way and give a timeline.
Joint Circular No. 1, series of 2017, prescribed the uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and recovery of cost to relocate electric cooperative and sub-transmission lines.
Section 13 of JC1 provides that “within one year from the effectivity of this joint circular, the National Electrification Administration and Electric Cooperative shall cause the removal and relocation of any improperly located facility in the government’s right-of-way, subject to payment of compensation provided in the circular”.
The DOE and the DPWH adopted Joint Circular No. 2 to extend the period of relocation of obstructing facilities provided in Section 13 of JC1, for up to Dec. 31, 2019. The deadline provided in JC2 lapsed while a significant number of poles remained in the government’s right-of-way that raised public safety concerns.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, in a hearing called by Senate Committee on Energy, raised concerns over the delay in the relocation of the poles. About 59,640 electric poles still need to be relocated and compensated, according to the NEA.
Under the proposed third circular, all relevant stakeholders recognize that the period provided in JC2 is not sufficient as relocation of the poles were not timely implemented because of circumstances beyond the control of the ECs and the concerned national government agencies.
“Considering that removal of the electric poles obstructing in the national roads and highways is still a primordial concern of the government, the IATF, in its Resolution No. 1 Series of 2020, recommended to dispense the classification and deadline of the submission of the requisites for the 59,640 electric poles endorsed by NEA, and extend the period of relocation set forth in JC1 and JC2, to accomplish the complete clearing of electric poles in the government’s right-of-way,” the circular read.
The IATF also recommended the adoption of a new DOE and DPWH joint circular to provide mechanisms and timeline for the immediate relocation of electric poles within the government’s right-of-way.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
DoE ‘respects’ Petron’s decision to close Bataan refinery — Cusi
December 23, 2020 | 12:02 am
https://www.bworldonline.com/doe-respects-petrons-decision-to-close-bataan-refinery-cusi/
THE Department of Energy (DoE) respects Petron Corp.’s move to shut down its oil refinery in Limay, Bataan as it is a business decision on the firm’s part, the agency’s top official said on Monday.
“That closure is a business decision by Petron. That, we respect because if they see that there is a better way to commercially operate, gagawin nila iyon (they will do that),” DoE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in a press briefing.
His statement comes after Petron announced earlier this month that it would shutter its 180,000-barrel-per-day crude oil refinery, the country’s remaining refining facility after a rival closed its own.
Last week, Ramon S. Ang-led Petron said in a regulatory filing that it would be suspending operations at its plant in Bataan starting mid-January next year to minimize losses “in view of weak margins.”
Mr. Cusi said he supported Petron’s proposal to turn its refinery into a special economic zone under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
“We want a PEZA zone to flourish in the country actively. As long as it [has a] positive impact to all, we want to promote that… It’s their business decision. They’ll present their proposal to us. [We’ll] just look at it. I don’t see any problem,” he said.
Mr. Cusi added that the closure of the country’s sole refinery would not affect oil supply.
“Ang gagawin din nila (What they will do is to) import the finished product and use their terminal as their storage for clean product instead of… crude oil. So, Petron is looking into also keeping their market share. That will not affect the supply of oil,” he said.
The firm’s move to close its Bataan refinery comes months after its rival Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. announced the permanent shutdown of its 110,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Tabangao, Batangas, due to worsened margins and a drop in fuel demand amid the pandemic.
In the third quarter, Petron posted a P1.63-billion consolidated net income, which was largely driven by retailing margins. The firm said that despite the “modest” recovery, its refining segment continued to record losses because of thin margins.
https://www.bworldonline.com/doe-respects-petrons-decision-to-close-bataan-refinery-cusi/
THE Department of Energy (DoE) respects Petron Corp.’s move to shut down its oil refinery in Limay, Bataan as it is a business decision on the firm’s part, the agency’s top official said on Monday.
“That closure is a business decision by Petron. That, we respect because if they see that there is a better way to commercially operate, gagawin nila iyon (they will do that),” DoE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in a press briefing.
His statement comes after Petron announced earlier this month that it would shutter its 180,000-barrel-per-day crude oil refinery, the country’s remaining refining facility after a rival closed its own.
Last week, Ramon S. Ang-led Petron said in a regulatory filing that it would be suspending operations at its plant in Bataan starting mid-January next year to minimize losses “in view of weak margins.”
Mr. Cusi said he supported Petron’s proposal to turn its refinery into a special economic zone under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA).
“We want a PEZA zone to flourish in the country actively. As long as it [has a] positive impact to all, we want to promote that… It’s their business decision. They’ll present their proposal to us. [We’ll] just look at it. I don’t see any problem,” he said.
Mr. Cusi added that the closure of the country’s sole refinery would not affect oil supply.
“Ang gagawin din nila (What they will do is to) import the finished product and use their terminal as their storage for clean product instead of… crude oil. So, Petron is looking into also keeping their market share. That will not affect the supply of oil,” he said.
The firm’s move to close its Bataan refinery comes months after its rival Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. announced the permanent shutdown of its 110,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Tabangao, Batangas, due to worsened margins and a drop in fuel demand amid the pandemic.
In the third quarter, Petron posted a P1.63-billion consolidated net income, which was largely driven by retailing margins. The firm said that despite the “modest” recovery, its refining segment continued to record losses because of thin margins.
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