DOE: P2.7 billion for electrification

CEBU, Philippines - Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Jose Rene Almendras has announced that the government will be releasing P2.7 billion above the P800 million released last week to address rural electrification before the end of this year.

Also yesterday, Almendras announced that fuel prices in Mandaue and Talisay Cities are lower than prices in some cities of Manila.

Almendras made the announcement during the Energy Forum held at the Parklane Hotel in Cebu City yesterday attended by energy stakeholders in the entire Visayas area as part of the Energy Sector Information and Education Campaign.

The forum provided energy stakeholders update of the developments, initiatives, plans and programs of the DOE under the Energy Reform Agenda (ERA) framework.

The ERA is the blueprint for the energy sector under the Medium Term Philippine Development Plan 2011-2016 and the Philippine Energy Plan 2009-2030.

Almendras announced that the government is now fast tracking the nationwide electrification project through funding approved by no less than President Benigno Aquino III.

 “Never in the history of the Philippines has there been such a huge allocation for electrification,” Almendras said.

The government, he said, has also decided to allocate P2.5 billion per year until 2017 to be poured into rural electrification.

Almendras informed those who attended the Visayas IEC Forum that the DOE already coordinated with Congress to provide a list of sitios that still lack electricity.

In his presentation, Almendras also showed data on the comparative pricing of fuel pump prices in Cebu against pump prices in Metro Manila.

Contrary to claims, Almendras noted that pump prices in the cities of Mandaue and Talisay are cheaper by P0.30 – P4.00 per liter compared to those in some cities of Metro Manila based on their monitoring as of September 14, 2011.

 Aside from the issues on electrification and fuel prices, Almendras also discussed the current situation in the energy sector, such as updates on energy resource development, downstream oil, and renewable energy.

The presentation gave the participants an overview of the department’s action in ensuring sustainability in energy supply.

“We do not claim a monopoly of ideas nor expertise. As a matter of fact we know that there are many more good ideas out there and welcome such. Rest assured that we are doing the best we can within the existing laws and structures. Should there be changes to the laws and structure then we will abide and strive to make them work better,” Almendras said.

 Around 310 participants composed of representatives from the local government units (LGUs), chambers of commerce and Industry, electric cooperatives, industry partners, and others stakeholders attended the event.

The DOE activity in Cebu was one of the series after some briefings in Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod, Leyte, Davao, and Baguio. –(FREEMAN)