With Energy Chief: Cebu biz groups to take up possible power solutions

CEBU, Philippines – The Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cebu Business Club (CBC) will meet with Department of Energy (DOE) secretary Rene Jose Almendras to discuss possible solutions on the power problems in Cebu.

MCCI president Eric N. Mendoza said in an interview with The Freeman yesterday that the group has already prepared the issues that will be presented to Almendras, including the quick solution of the power shortage in Cebu, the implementation of the anti-trust law, and to push the pre-paid electricity system, among others.

However, Mendoza said MCCI and CBC president Dondi Joseph still have to finalize the top issues that will be presented to Almendras on Thursday morning at the Cebu Parklane Hotel.

This is the first formal visit of Almendras as DOE secretary in his hometown since he was appointed as DOE secretary of the NoyNoy Aquino administration.

Since Almendras already announced that DOE cannot intervene with the alleged unfair fuel pricing of the big three oil companies, specifically in Cebu, as the industry is de-regulated, Mendoza however said that the business sector may offer suggestions on how DOE can possibly implement solutions by introducing other programs.

According to Mendoza DOE can introduce programs that will help solve the high price of fuel in Cebu, compared to Metro Manila.

The two business chambers will discuss with Almendras on encouraging Independent Power Producers (IPP) to come to Cebu, including the small oil players in order to promote competition.

Significantly, he said the business sector will also pressure DOE to immediately open up the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM-Visayas), of which Almendras had already promised to have it operated before the end of the year.

In an earlier interview with Almendras, he said that the most immediate areas that will be given utmost attention is the problem in power supply security, pricing, and creation of more power plants-that would include the establishment of more renewable energy plants in the country.

He said the concern of the fuel consumers, especially in Cebu of alleged "unfair" pricing compared to Metro Manila, can not be easily intervened by the DOE, as the industry is deregulated.

"The government can not dictate the pricing of oil companies, because they are de-regulated," Almendras said.

"There are so many problems that I don't think I can solve in six years. But I just have to do my best and do the right thing. Realistically, I don't think all these problems will be solved in six years time," said Almendras. (FREEMAN)