MANILA, Philippines — To ensure the continuous electricity supply in the country this year, Senator Joel Villanueva filed a resolution urging the committee on energy to conduct an inquiry on the Department of Energy’s (DOE) programs, projects, and initiatives.
Villanueva lodged Senate Resolution No. 556 to help guarantee the country’s sufficient electricity supply throughout the year, “especially during peak seasons, and during unforeseen extreme weather events and similar calamities.”
According to Villanueva’s filed resolution, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines warned of tight power supply during the dry season as the DOE forecast showed that “there will be a total peak power supply demand for Luzon towards the end of May, which is 8.35 percent higher than the same period last year; peak demand in Visayas will likely occur in September (16.19 percent higher in 2022); and peak demand in Mindanao will be in June (10.52 percent higher in 2022).”
Although the department said there will be no blackouts for the summer break, the resolution noted that power outages had already occurred in the provinces of Guimaras, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, and Iloilo in February.
“There is a need to proactively anticipate and address possible power shortages, identify short-term and long-term strategies, and expedite climate-proof solutions to minimize power interruptions and expedite its restoration in case of interruption,” the resolution reads.
“This includes proper maintenance of power plants, generators, and similar facilities, as well as promoting an energy conversation mindset among consumers,” it added.
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