Camarines Sur wants more funding for power projects

The local government of Camarines Sur is seeking more funds from the National Power Corp. (Napocor) to finance its electrification project, Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes said.

He said the province is trying to come up with additional requirements for funding and availment from Napocor’s UC-ME (universal charge-missionary electricity) program to spur further development particularly in the mining and tourism sectors by establishing a reliable and stable power supply.

More funds will support the construction by the National Transmission Corp. (TransCo) of 69 kilovolt lines for the Caramoan Peninsula and a grid connection through submarine cable for Quinalasag, Lahuy and Atulayan Islands from the mainland.

To further reduce power rates and stabilize power supply in the island province of Catanduanes, plans are also underway to establish a grid connection through submarine cable for the Caramoan-Catanduanes section. 

Napocor president Cyril del Callar has approved an P87 million  project for the province last year with the funding sourced from the UC-ME collections of the state-owned generation firm.

This funding source specifically provided the incentive to the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative to venture in the expansion of electricity service in missionary or unserved areas.

Reyes earlier inaugurated with President Arroyo the missionary electrification project in the third district of Camarines Sur.

The energy chief said the project would not only bring electricity to 20 barangays of the province but would also accelerate economic progress in the area. 

Provided electricity for the first time were five barangays in Lahuy Island, eight in Kanalsag Island and seven in North Lagonoy.

“These agencies, working together with the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration, made the missionary electrification project a reality after its completion on April 30 in Lahuy Island,” Reyes said.