Palace Hopes Emergency Power to Deal with Possible Power Shortage still on Track

The Palace remains hopeful that the emergency power it has requested from Congress to deal with a possible energy crisis during the summer months is still on track, an official has said.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said during a press briefing in Malacañang on Thursday that Senator Sergio Osmeña III has filed a counterpart measure to the House of Representatives resolution pertaining to the passing of the emergency power.

“Ang huli nating nabalitaan hinggil diyan ay nag-file na ang komite ni Senator Osmeña ng kanilang counterpart measure na itatapat doon sa House resolution,” Coloma said.

According to reports, Senator Osmeña and Senate President Franklin Drilon have introduced a joint resolution that seeks the implementation of the Interruptible Load Program in Luzon.

The House resolution authorizes the President to generate additional energy through the Interruptible Load Program, the fast-tracking of committed projects, and plants for interconnection and rehabilitation.

Asked if the Palace thinks that the emergency power still has a chance to be approved, Coloma said, “Hinihintay pa rin natin ito.”

He said there is still time, considering that the summer season has yet to start.

“Ang alam natin ang summer season sa ating bansa ay March, April, hanggang May pa nga. Ang regular na kapanahunan sa ating bansa, nag-uumpisa lang naman ang tag-ulan pagkatapos na ng Mayo,” he added.

Power consumption is at its peak during the summer months.

Coloma assured the public that the Department of Energy is working to avert the power shortage.

“Habang hinihintay ang pagkilos ng lehislatura ay ginawa ng ating Department of Energy ang kanilang bahagi sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa pribadong sektor; inihanda ang kanilang partisipasyon sa Interruptible Load Program. Tinututukan din ang status ng mga power plant para maging alerto tayo sa mga possible shutdowns at supply deficiency para matugunan agad ito,” he noted.

Experts have projected a power shortage in the Luzon grid from March to July this year. PND (ag)