30 Aug DOE Energy Plan Aims to Connect Mindanao to Luzon and Visayas Network
The energy plan for the year 2016 throughout 2030 will be guided by what named as “nine strategic directions,” which aims to connect Mindanao to Luzon’s and Visayas’ network, stated by the Department of Energy (DOE).
DOE spokesperson, Richie R. Pilares said that the first direction is to guarantee energy security which includes enhancing the reliability, availability, and resiliency of current power infrastructure and facilities. She added, “We’re pushing for the connection of the Mindanao grid to the already interconnected Visayas and Luzon grids.”
The “Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA),” or the implementing rules and regulation of Republic Act (RA) 9136, requires a yearly develop and update of Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) – a guidebook for all competitors in the energy sector, which is to be submitted every year on the 15th of September.
Ms. Pilares said, “We also want to be self-reliant.”
Energy security also includes indigenous energy development and usage based on the existing resources to dictate fuel mix of the neighboring countries. She added, “We also have to climate-proof the energy infrastructure and facilities.”
DOE’s nine strategic directions also comprise the expansion of energy access, development of a low-carbon prospect, assuring the investment in power infrastructure and facilities, and pursuing the development and implementation of local energy plans.
Pilares added that sectoral road maps and action plans will be implemented and monitored, an urge for the passage of the department’s legislative agenda, increase consumer welfare and protections and strengthen international relations and partnerships will be done by DOE.
Plans for power development, distribution, transmission, missionary, and household electrification are included in these strategic directions. Pilares stated, “We want to achieve 100% electrification of targeted households in all the three major islands. We also want to accelerate the total privatization of Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) assets.”
Pilares added, “We want to promote a low-carbon future. We plan to institute a fuel mix policy and triple the renewable energy capacity by 2030 based on the 2010 level. But we’re studying this in relation to the economic development.”
Under the proposed PEP, plans for Mindanao, Visayas, Mindoro and Palawan will be developed and implemented.
EPIRA, RA 8479 or the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998”and RA 9513 or the “Renewable Energy Act of 2008” were also part of DOE’s legislative agenda.
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