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RP facing looming power shortage - energy dept


The Philippines is facing a looming power shortage that may last beyond 2010 if left unaddressed, the Department of Energy (DOE) said. Domestic power plants can only generate 1,020 megawatts (mW) of electricity, just one-fourth of the Philippines’ requirements of 4,100 mW next year, the energy department said in a presentation outlining its P933 million budget for next year. The electricity shortage has already resulted in black-outs in the Visayas region last year and may result in further power outages in Mindanao this year and in Luzon next year. Despite the power capacity lack, Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes appeared hesitant to ask the President to declare a state of emergency in the energy industry. "This is not a one-dimensional problem of supply. Of course it will impact on tourism and investments," he said. The President has to declare an imminent shortage in energy supply backed up by a joint resolution from both chambers of Congress before the country's energy industry can be placed under an emergency situation, Reyes said, citing the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira). Under the law, once the President determines an imminent shortage of electricity supply, “Congress may authorize, through a joint resolution, the establishment of additional generating capacity under such terms and conditions as it may approve." Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman said the energy problem must be solved immediately as "a serious and critical power situation will impact on national security." Northern Samar Rep. Emil Ong likewise said the DOE should act swiftly on the problem as he pointed out that the country will hold its first automated elections next year. - GMANews.TV

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