TAGUIG CITY – Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has directed all Distribution Utilities (DUs) to ensure reliable and stable power supply during the rollout of the government’s COVID-19 vaccine program.

“We have to make sure that there is a continuous supply of electricity services. The DOE has been strategizing on how to pre-empt possible issues and concerns that may arise during the rollout," Secretary Cusi emphasized.

The Secretary’s directive was contained in an advisory dated 16 February 2021. It said that the rollout will be undertaken by the Duterte administration by the end of the first quarter this year.

In the advisory, Secretary Cusi ordered all DUs to ensure continuous, reliable, and stable power supply for COVID-19 vaccine cold storage and health care facilities through back-up generating sets and/or distribution system configuration.

The Energy chief further instructed them to update their emergency response protocols and Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) to be responsive to the prioritization of the COVID-19 vaccines' cold storage facilities in cases of power outages.

In case of a possible increase in demand requirements, DUs should also have enough contracted capacities for energy. Further, all DUs shall intensify vegetation management programs to eliminate power interruptions, and shall provide the necessary support for COVID-19 vaccine storage and healthcare facilities by installing their own back-up supply. 

Secretary Cusi stressed that DUs have to be equipped and organized at all times so that plans for the implementation of the program will run smoothly.

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