DOE assures steady power supply on election day

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Energy (DOE) has assured the Cabinet that there will be no power supply interruptions on election day (May 13), Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles said Wednesday.

“The Department of Energy has assured the Cabinet that we will not have a problem on election day,” Nograles said in a forum in Malate, Manila.

Nograles said that the DOE reported that several power sources will be going online in time for the May 13 elections.

The Luzon grid was put on red alert status for three consecutive days last week as several power plants conked out.

It was again placed under red alert on Monday.

READ: Brownouts feared Monday afternoon as Luzon grid goes on red alert

DOE Undersecretary and Spokesperson Wimpy Fuentebella said they are expecting the power situation to improve starting Wednesday as Unit 1 of the Sual power plant, which experienced boiler pump leak last April 9, resumes operations.

It has a capacity of 647 megawatts.

READ: DOE: Power supply situation may improve starting Wednesday

The former lawmaker from Davao City also said that the DOE is “doing what they’re supposed to do” to ensure energy security of the country.

“In fact, the DOE has been aggressive in looking for more…in establishing power generation projects. Marami na pong power generation projects in the pipeline,” he added. /gsg