TAGUIG CITY – The Department of Energy (DOE) today is calling for continued vigilance against any form of misinformation detrimental to public interest as it assures stable supply of power amid continuing challenges.
“Part of the grave dangers of misinformation is the panic it causes when we are already navigating around extremely trying times. Instead of sowing discord and promoting self-interest, we must work together to overcome the difficulties we have been dealt with given the global health crisis. While the DOE reaffirms our commitment to deliver reliable and stable energy services throughout the country at all times,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi stressed.
Following the Energy chief’s directive, DOE Spokesperson Undersecretary Felix William B. Fuentebella held a virtual press conference this morning, where he clarified matters concerning weekend news reports that alleged power supply insufficiency in the 2022 national elections.
“We had to correct the report where the DOE statement was taken out of context. We emphasize that we have sufficient supply of electricity for the election week. The initial outlook shows sufficiency of supply, with no yellow alerts, and no power interruptions. Our goal is to maintain this situation, or improve it, and this could be done through our continued coordination and joint monitoring activities,” Undersecretary Fuentebella stated.
He likewise emphasized the need to be accurate on matters regarding energy supply and stability. According to Undersecretary Fuentebella, “we need to give the right information at all times, and the energy family does its best to respond accordingly to all types of energy scenarios.”
The DOE also stressed the required cooperation in the implementation of the Energy Virtual One Stop Shop Act which addresses all forms of red tape on energy applications and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act which promotes the welfare of the consumers.
Also mentioned are the following Department Circulars signed by Secretary Cusi:
1. DC2017-11-0012 - DC on the Development of Liquefied Natural Gas Industry
(Rules and Regulations Governing the Philippine Downstream Natural Gas Industry)
2. DC2018-01-0001 - DC on Energy Resiliency
(Adoption of Energy Resiliency in the Planning and Programming of the Energy Sector to Mitigate Potential Impacts of Disasters)
3. DC2018-05-0014 - DC on the Creation of the Energy Task Force Election
(Creating the Energy Task Force Election to Ensure Adequate and Reliable Energy Supply Before, During and After Elections)
4. DC2018-02-0003 - DC on Competitive Selection Process (Adopting and Prescribing the Policy for the Competitive Selection Process in the Procurement by the Distribution Utilities of Power Supply Agreement for the Captive Market)
5. DC2019-12-0018 - DC on Ancillary Services
(Adopting a General Framework Governing the Provision and Utilization of Ancillary Services in the Grid)
6. DC2020-02-0004 - DC on the Grid Operation and Maintenance Program
(Providing Guidelines on the Planned Outage Schedules of Power Plants and Transmission Facilities and the Public Posting of the Grid Operating and Maintenance Program)
Among the panelists present for the virtual presser were Luzon System Operator Beng Abadilla and Head of Systems and Standards Division and Technical Services Department Erwill Bugaoisan from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines; Spokesperson and Head of Corporate Communications Joe Zaldarriaga, Energy Management Head Primo Alonzo, Vice President & Head of Distribution Services Jose Reyes, Network Technology and Asset Management Head Larry Fernandez from Meralco; Deputy Administrator Atty. Artis Nikki Tortola from the National Electrification Administration (NEA); Vice President Atty. Melchor Ridulme from the National Power Corporation (NPC); Chairman Juan Eugenio Roxas and President and Executive Director Atty. Anne Montelibano from the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association (PIPPA).
During the briefing, Meralco, the NEA, NPC, and PIPPA also discussed their respective action plans relative to securing the availability of power services in next year’s elections, which includes, among others, preparatory maintenance activities, strategic placement of technical crews and personnel, contingency measures, round-the-clock response for any arising emergency situation, and the provision of full assistance to other energy family members in times of need.
“The DOE is in control of the energy situation. We want to maintain our track record of working for a quick recovery against any calamity and will endeavor to do so in the years ahead,” Secretary Cusi concluded.
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