No power shortage this summer, says DoE

FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Energy (DoE) on Friday assured the public that there is enough power supply for the country this summer season.

“There is no reason for us to have a power shortage,” said Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla in an interview on Inquirer Radio 990AM.

Petilla made the assurance amid the temporary retraining order (TRO) of the Supreme court on the proposed power rate increase of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) and with the high demand of electricity during the summer break.

He said that every summer season, the country has a “tight supply” of power because of the expected rise in demand of electricity.

He, however affirmed, that this would not result to power shortage and rotational brownouts.

He admitted that his only fear is if power plants in the country simultaneously breaks down, though he believed, it is unlikely to happen.

The DOE on Feb. 6  advised power plants to conduct preventive and regular maintenance of their facilities so they can operate during the months when power demand is high.

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