DOE may recommission mothballed power plants to ensure supply

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) is studying the possibility of recommissioning mothballed power plants to ensure the stability of power supply in the near term.

In its proposed Energy Reform Agenda (ERA), the DOE has identified a number of short-term measures that would ensure energy security for the country.

In the power sector, the DOE said the re-powering of mothballed power facilities such as Bauang Private Power, Subic Diesel Power Plant, Duracom and Hopewell/Navotas would be part of the possible stop-gap measures to address power needs in the immediate future.

The DOE did not specify how they would go about bringing these power plants back online.

Aside from the recommissioning of these power plants, the DOE also sees the need to reduce the forced outages rate of generating units, as well as strict compliance of power plants with their annual preventive maintenance program.

The DOE said they could transfer Power Barge 101, 102 and 203 to Mindanao once the Cebu Energy Development Corp. (CEDC), Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC), and Korea Electric Power Co. (Kepco) power plants in the Visayas are fully operational.

Under the ERA, the DOE underscores a guiding vision “Energy Access for More” to mainstream access of the larger populace to reliable and affordable energy services to fuel, most importantly, local productivity and countryside development.

The energy sector has outlined the following three major pillars as its overall guidepost and direction under the Aquino administration: ensure energy security; achieve optimal energy pricing; and develop sustainable energy plan.

The programs that will lead to the attainment of the pillars have been phased into short (2010-2011); medium (2011-2013); and long-term (2013-2016) timelines.