LAWMAKERS belonging to the so-called Young Guns are calling for a comprehensive review of the nation’s power situation as the Philippines braces for the onset of La Niña.

The solons have expressed serious concerns about the potential for widespread power outages and questions the preparedness of power companies to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity.

Zambales Rep. Jefferson “Jay” Khonghun emphasized the necessity of immediate action, stating, “La Niña is not just a weather event; it is a potential disruptor of daily life and economic activities.

We cannot afford to wait until it strikes to realize that we are unprepared. The power companies must assure us that they have contingency plans in place.”

“Our energy infrastructure has to be resilient. Any weakness in our power grid could lead to severe consequences for our people and economy,” Khonghun said.

Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong echoed the same sentiments, highlighting the critical nature of reliable electricity during such times.

“Our constituents rely heavily on consistent power supply for their day-to-day needs and safety. Any lapse could have dire consequences. We need transparency and proactive measures from our power providers to mitigate any risks associated with La Niña,” Alonto said.

“It is the duty of power companies to provide clear communication and updates to the public, ensuring that everyone is adequately prepared,” he added.

For his part, 1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo “Rodge” Gutierrez expressed his apprehension about the current state of the power infrastructure.

“The infrastructure must be robust enough to withstand the challenges posed by La Niña. This includes not just the capacity to generate electricity, but also the resilience of our transmission and distribution networks,” Gutierrez said.

“We need a thorough assessment of our current capabilities and immediate action to address any identified gaps,” he added.

La Union Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega called for a collaborative effort between the government and private sector.

“It is imperative that both the government and power companies work hand in hand to ensure that every Filipino household has access to electricity throughout this period. We need coordinated efforts and clear communication channels,” Ortega said.

In questioning the readiness of the power sector, Isabela Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy stated that power companies must be truly prepared.

“We have seen how past weather events have crippled our electricity supply. It is time for an honest assessment and prompt action. What specific measures have been put in place to handle the expected increase in demand and potential disruptions caused by La Niña?” Dy asked.

Nueva Ecija Rep. Mikaela Angela “Mika” Suansing voiced her concerns about the impact of lack of preparations for La Nina on vulnerable populations.

“Our elderly, children, and those with medical needs are especially at risk during power outages. We need assurance that power companies are prioritizing the stability of supply to safeguard these vulnerable groups,” Suansing said.

Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Jill Bongalon urged for a focus on sustainable solutions, saying “In addressing the potential impacts of La Niña, we must also consider long-term, sustainable energy solutions. Investing in renewable energy and improving our infrastructure resilience will pay off in the face of such challenges.”

“Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can provide more stable and reliable power, reducing our dependence on vulnerable traditional power source,” Bongalon added.

The Young Guns stressed that without proper preparation, the potential for power outages could significantly impact the lives of millions of Filipinos, from disrupting businesses to affecting the delivery of essential services. They call on the Department of Energy and relevant agencies to conduct a thorough review and ensure that all necessary measures are in place.