Brownouts to plague RP on election year - DOE chief

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes on Wednesday warned of nationwide power interruptions next year – a problem that could affect the conduct of the 2010 automated elections. Reyes said Visayas and Mindanao have been suffering from rotating brownouts while Luzon would enter a "critical period" by next year. "We are already experiencing brownouts in the Visayas since last year and we are already experiencing some brownouts in Mindanao and by 2010 we might be experiencing brownouts in Luzon," Reyes said. Based on the DOE's Power Supply and Demand 2008-2017 report, Luzon needs 3,000 megawatts of power during the 10-year period. However, there are only around 600 MW of committed projects and 3,380 MW of indicative projects so far. "We confident about the committed projects but the indicative projects are something we have to continue to work on. But this does not mean we’re not prepared," Reyes said.
To avert power shortage crisis in the country, the Department of Energy is asking Congress for a P3 billion contingency fund. “The contingency plan will address the situation if the indicative projects did not come in. We can't afford brownouts, much more, blackouts. Power supply is something that is very critical," Reyes said. The National Power Corporation completed the contingency plan last September 7 but it is still up for discussion, according to Reyes. He said the plan involves rehabilitation of some power plants and transmission lines that would ensure the delivery of power. Reyes vowed to ensure adequate electricity supply next year in time for the elections. "We will make sure that power will be available when we need it. It is the job of the department to ensure that there will be adequate power for the conduct of the national elections," he said. - GMANews.TV