Energy Dept looks at options for Mindanao power needs

Apart from constructing the multi-billion peso Leyte-Mindanao Interconnection Project, the Energy Department is looking closely at other options that would help Mindanao's long-term power needs. Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said over the weekend that the department is also considering power generators and to improve the existing transmission system in Mindanao. One of world’s the largest wet-steam field is in Leyte. "Between the interconnection project and fixing the low-voltage problems of the Mindanao grid, I'd rather choose the enhancing of the existing grid," Almendras said, adding that the region suffered eight-hour power outages last summer due to the non-availability of hydroelectric plants. The interconnection project is "very expensive" to build, he added. Almendras said there are already investors who showed interest in building power plants in Mindanao if the "right pricing structure is in place." He admitted that the current electricity pricing in Mindanao, which is way below the Luzon and Visayas grids, is a looming problem. Mindanao, he said, can use another transmission line project to reinforce the power requirements of the Mindanao grid. "There's a transmission line from Lanao coming to Davao, which was halted because of right of way issue. I had the opportunity to work with Rep. [Imelda] Dimaporo and she promised to help. We may have to realign it to make sure we avoid the religiously-sensitive and culturally-sensitive areas," he said. Almendras said he already discussed the Lanao transmission project with National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, operator of the country's transmission highway. "I said I'll help them get that line together but they have to give the improvements on the grid to which National Grid has also promised to submit their grid enhancement program in due time," he said. Former Energy Secretary Jose Ibazeta recommended to Almendras the construction of the transmission connecting Visayas and Mindanao through a submarine cable. Estimated to cost P18 billion, the Leyte-Mindanao Interconnection Project would include a 455-kilometer (km) overhead line and a 23-km submarine cable, with a maximum depth of around 1,000 meters below sea level. The project was shelved when the operations and maintenance of the country's transmission system was privatized. —JE, GMANews.TV