SENATOR Risa Hontiveros urged the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to step up and proactively address the power shortage looming over the country.

“Taon-taon na lang problema ang blackouts at kakulangan ng suplay. Taon-taon na rin pinananawagan sa DOE at NGCP na kumilos sila pero bakit parang wala pa ring nangyayari? Both of these agencies should step up and put an end to this energy crisis once and for all,” Hontiveros said.

She added that DOE and NGCP should also provide a transparent power and rates outlook for the coming days and months following the unexpected power outages across Luzon and the Visayas due to the tripping of NGCP’s Bolo-Masinloc transmission lines.

“Expectation vs. Reality. Dapat maging tapat ang DOE at NGCP tungkol sa kondisyon ng power supply at ano ang aasahan ng milyun-milyong konsyumer sa mga susunod na araw at buwan. Baka mangako na naman na gaganda ang sitwasyon pero puro blackouts at taas-singil pa rin. Our consumers deserve to be informed and notified. Hindi bibiglain na naman.,” Hontiveros said.

The glitch not only affected the supply in Luzon, but also the exports to the Visayas, which had been running low on supplies since last week.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco ) had to implement manual load dropping, which caused power interruptions that lasted several minutes in many areas. Trading was also suspended at the WESM.

“Either the energy officials or the entire power system itself, is suffering from integrity problems. Mayroon nang reseta na noon pa na-prescribe para lutasin ang parehong problema ng suplay at reserba pero hindi sinusunod. Pangakong napako na naman,” Hontiveros said.

The senator warned that the power shortage brought on by the coming El Nino and the resulting deficit outputs at the Malampaya and hydroelectric projects would have a negative impact on prices.

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PS Jun M. Sarmiento