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DOE restores power normalcy in ‘Rolly’-hit areas

FOREIGN companies may now be allowed to participate in large-scale geothermal exploration, development, and utilization activities, under the third Open and Competitive Selection Process (OCSP3) in the awarding of RE Service Contracts, as announced by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi recently.

However, there are some conditions that foreign investors should meet if they wish to participate such as: it should be large-scale, with a minimum investment cost of about US$50 million, and it should be under Financial and Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA) as provided under the Constitution.

The exclusive right to develop a geothermal resource will be granted through an Open and Competitive Selection Process (OCSP). In this process, all proponents, whether foreign or Filipino corporations, will have to compete.

The one with the best offer will get the RE Contract (or in the nature of an FTAA should the foreign proponent win.

Cusi has also reassured the public that the energy family has mobilized all its resources to bring electricity back and restore normalcy in the areas affected by Super Typhoon Rolly.

The Energy chief made the statement as he joined the other members of the Cabinet and other government officials at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for a press briefing at the NDRRMC Headquarters in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Since last week, the DOE has undertaken the following measures: alerted members of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER), pursuant to Department Circular No. DC2018-01-001 for the activation of their respective action and/or contingency plans; continuous coordination with the NDRRMC, industry stakeholders, and local government units on the status of energy facilities, situation on the ground, and inventory levels.

On shutdown as a contingency measure to avoid plant damage are Tiwi Geothermal Power Plant; Bacman Geothermal Power Plant; Ilijan Natural Gas-fired Power Plant; Mak-Ban Geothermal Power Plant – Unit 5 Restored at 1200H; currently at 32 MW loading; Santa Rita Power Plant and San Lorenzo Power Plant-Restored.

Still Out and Ongoing Restoration are the Southwest Luzon Power Generation Corporation (SLPGC) Coal-fired Power Plant; Avion Power Plant and Pagbilao Coal-fired Power Plant.

On top of all these, Cusi said the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) is closely monitoring the status of the grid after the typhoon and is prepared to conduct a physical inspection of any damage to TransCo facilities.

Meanwhile, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is closely monitoring the floods at the substation and its access road, and preparing anti-flooding materials such as sump pumps; clean drainage system; and sandbags. NGCP has also ensured the reliability of communications equipment; availability of hardware materials and supplies necessary for the repair of damages to facilities; and the positioning of line crews in strategic areas, to facilitate immediate restoration work.

The National Electrification Administration (NEA) and concerned electric cooperatives (ECs) are closely coordinating on actions to be undertaken to expedite the restoration of power in affected areas.

A State of Calamity (SOC) has been declared in the entire province of Cavite (November 1, 2020) and Camarines Sur (November 2. 2020). Thus, a price freeze for household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene products in this area is now in effect and will remain valid for 15 days upon the announcement of the SOC.

Cusi assured the DOE will periodically update this Situation Report as they receive developments on the matter.

“Rest assured that we are continuously monitoring the situation and we are working together with other energy stakeholders to see to it that our energy facilities remain operational, and that energy services are immediately restored in those areas adversely affected by Rolly’s wrath,” Cusi said.

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Direct Hit entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to [email protected] or text 0917-3132168.

Itchie G. Cabayan
DIRECT HIT entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to [email protected] or text 0917-3132168.