Probes Samal power outages

SENATE Committee on Energy chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo presided over the continuation of the inquiry into various issues concerning the country’s transmission system as well as the performance of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

Tulfo raised “three major concerns” that he hopes the NGCP could shed light on, including the alleged unfair and underhanded provision in the concession agreement between NGCP and the government; the possible threat posed by the current NGCP management setup to the country’s power grid and economy; and the supposed violations committed by the NGCP under the concession agreement.

“We believe that NGCP will cooperate with us today (Wednesday),” Tulfo said.

“It is time for us to know the real situation and problems surrounding our transmission lines in order for us to provide proper and concrete solutions,” he added.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros wants to find ways to permanently lower the price of electricity that is sufficient and reliable “for the interest of the country and the people.”

During the hearing, Hontiveros said the government needs to prioritize the interest of consumers and the integrity of the power sector.

“What I want to point out this morning is which one is really better for the ordinary Filipino so that we can achieve an affordable and sufficient supply of electricity,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.

Hontiveros urged the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a complete “audit performance” of NGCP and to review its franchise for its “incompetency.”

Among NGCP’s duties and responsibilities is to ensure that the country’s transmission assets are in optimal condition to convey safe, quality, and reliable electricity.

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian pressed the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) to improve its services and solve the power problem in the Island Garden City of Samal.

During the Committee on Energy’s inquiry on the power disruptions experienced in the country, Gatchalian cited persistent clamor from local government leaders and consumers against Nordeco’s service and even warned that Congress may allow another distribution utility to provide the power service in their area.

Samal Island was recently placed under a “state of calamity” due to the power outages.

“Therefore, Nordeco really needs to shape up,” Gatchalian said.

“Your performance will be evaluated, and if your performance (shows) that it’s not up to par, then you cannot blame Congress for giving it to another operator who is more qualified,” he told Nordeco.