DoE backs energy bill

The Department of Energy denied accusations hurled by some environmental groups that the government is giving preference to non-renewable sources of energy, especially coal.

Agency officials said it is, on the contrary, pushing for the approval of the renewable energy bill in Congress. If it becomes a law, it would give incentives to those who would put up renewable energy sources.

During the stakeholders' consultative assembly on energy and clean air initiatives last Wednesday, Ed Amante of the DOE Visayas field office clarified that the department is giving preference to renewable alternative source of energy.

But the agency said that it has to accommodate investors interested in the power sector, whether renewable or non-renewable, as long as they comply with the requirements and standards of the government.

"Investors prefer less expensive plants to operate. Everybody should help the department encourage investments in renewable sources of energy," Amante said. - Wenna A. Berondo