OH MY GAS: Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi led the commercial operation ceremonies of the 414-MW San Gabriel and 97-MW Avion Natural Gas Power Plants Friday (11 November) in Batangas City. In photo is Sec. Cusi (right) shaking hands with Lopez Group Chair Emeritus, Oscar M. Lopez. Also, witnessing the ceremonies are (L-R) First Philippine Holdings (FPH) Chair & CEO Federico R. Lopez, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, former Senator Sergio Osmeña and FPH President and Chief Operating Officer Francis Giles Puno during the said event.

(Batangas City). Committed to provide reliable and clean power supply towards industrialization, the Department of Energy (DOE) welcomes the commercial operation of the two natural gas-fired power plants, which were inaugurated Friday (11 November) by First Gen Corporation in Batangas City.

Considered the cleanest among the known fossil fuels, the 414 megawatts (MW) San Gabriel and 97 MW Avion Natural Gas Power Plants support the increasing economic growth trajectory target of 7-8%, while also balancing the energy mix.

In his Keynote Address, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said “San Gabriel and Avion’s combined capacity of 511 megawatts will help secure our energy supply for the years ahead.”

Sec. Cusi emphasized that “It is also imperative for the DOE to find the right energy mix by considering technological advancements and all possible energy options, while also factoring in the growing social awareness on energy sustainability.”

In 2015, the contribution of natural gas to the total dependable capacity of the country amounted to 2,861 MW or 21% in Luzon, and 15% for the entire country – a significant power generation of the Philippines.

Recognizing the indispensable role of the private sector in the energy industry, Sec. Cusi said “the Department will continue to encourage energy investments, particularly in the natural gas industry to support the power sector and other developing energy industries.”

Relatively, Sec. Cusi urged “power developers to prioritize the welfare and safety of the people in their host localities.”

The Energy Secretary concluded that “the power plants symbolize the government’s commitment towards total electrification to light up not only homes, but the dreams of every Filipino, especially the less privileged and underserved.”

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