(Taguig City). After completing the maintenance works in the Malampaya natural gas field facilities, the Department of Energy (DOE) assures the public that it is still on the watch for its residual effects and maintains Sec. Cusi's policy of "maximizing consumer protection."
“Our mission is to ensure that scheduled Malampaya maintenance shutdown will have a minimal effect to consumers,” announced Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi.
Cusi hailed the Malampaya plant scheduled maintenance shutdown last 28 January to 16 February as a success, saying that it is a spring board for continued close coordination among the energy industry players that guarantees the energy supply reliability, stability and efficiency.
“The preventive measures we’ve put in place relative to the Malampaya shutdown, such as, ensuring availability of the alternative liquid fuel to run the natural gas power plants (NGPP), have averted the possibility of power supply deficiency. We have experienced normal power situation all throughout the course of the maintenance activity,” Sec. Cusi said.
“The maintenance shutdown was also completed by the Malampaya consortium (Shell Philippines Exploration B.V., Chevron Malampaya LLC and PNOC Exploration Corporation) about 15 to 17 hours ahead of schedule,” he added.
He also reported that the DOE is closely coordinating with the concerned power generators and the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) to cushion the impact on electricity prices of the higher liquid fuel cost used in running the NGPP.
According to MERALCO, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has computed an incremental liquid fuel cost at approximately PhP0.66/kilowatt-hour lower than the initial estimation of PhP0.92/kwh. The power company also reported that the ERC has approved its request to stagger the incremental liquid fuel cost over a period of three (3) months starting this March in order to minimize the burden on customers.
“We are still keen on looking for ways on not to pass on to the consumers the incremental cost brought by the shutdown. We are planning to hold a conference among those involved to address a no pass-on policy,” Sec. Cusi underscored.
The Secretary informed that the Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project supplies natural gas to five natural gas power plants located in Batangas, namely, Sta. Rita (1,000 MW), San Lorenzo (500 MW), Ilijan (1,200 MW), Avion (97 MW), and San Gabriel (414 MW).
Meanwhile, echoing the key message of the Fire Prevention Month, the Secretary reminded the public to ensure safety of their electrical wirings and soundness of their electric appliances to reduce the risks of fire during the hot summer months caused by faulty wirings and short circuits.
“Paalala po sa ating mga maybahay at tatay, maaari po nating i-check ang ating mga electrical wiring system at mga appliances para makaiwas sa anumang sakuna dulot ng kuryente,” advised Cusi.
“We also enjoin the public to always adopt energy efficiency and conservation practices, as these can greatly contribute to cushion any adverse effect of any power supply situation,” Sec. Cusi concluded.
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