Department of Energy wants P2.3B  budget in 2020

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday said that it is seeking a 2020 budget of P2.3 billion.

In a House hearing on the DOE 2020 budget, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that the budget request will support plans and programs “that could help ensure the security of our country’s energy future” among others.

“Our 2020 budgetary req will support plans and programs that could help ensure the security of our country’s energy future, increase access on energy services and technologies, and further uphold consumer welfare. It will also ensure that new energy policies are efficiently implemented,” Cusi said.

“Today we are presenting our request for the committee’s approval for our proposed 2020 budget of P2.3 billion,” he added.

A “significant portion” of the agency’s proposed budget will go to the “implementation of the government’s total electrification program,” Cusi said.

“This would see the energization of the remaining underserved and unserved households nationwide.”

Also among the policies that the DOE will implement include newly-enacted laws such as the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, Murang Kuryente Act, and the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop Act.

“The budget of the Murang Kuryente Act is not included in General Appropriations Act as it will operate based on available funds from the Bureau of Treasury,” Cusi pointed out. /gsg