DOE maintains Summer 2015 Power Concern

(Taguig City) With the ongoing committee hearings on energy at the House of Representatives, the Department of Energy – Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (DOE-EPIMB) clarifies and reiterates that there is still an impending energy shortage by summer of 2015 which can be resolved by Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).

 

In a press briefing held at the DOE Headquarters this afternoon, Undersecretary Raul B. Aguilos stated that there is an evident shortage of electricity supply next summer due to the lack of available capacities coming from potential interruptible load program (ILP) participants, delayed entrance of new energy capacities and the rest of the 424MW additional capacity that was included in the new and updated power outlook which was presented during the October 20th congress committee hearings.

“The problem with next summer is that we found out that there have been a gradual increase in forced outages… the problem of the power reserves is the problem of the energy supply that’s why we formulated several options to increase our requirements.” Said USec Aguilos.
 
Since the announcement of Summer 2015 power shortfall in July, the DOE noticed private sector has stepped up with the challenge raising 424MW additional capacity in a matter of 3 months. The declaration has in fact summoned stakeholders and private sector to cooperate and work together in finding solutions to the looming power woes. While other sectors may have expressed dismay with the earlier warning, the Department maintains that it is best to support, coordinate and work on concrete solutions rather than complaining or worst failing to recognize the problem.