Power sector gears for school reopening

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The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) ordered all distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) to ensure stable and sufficient power supply as schools prepare for a blended learning approach when they reopen tentatively in August.

“I have given my order to all cooperatives through NEA administrator Edgardo Masongsong to ensure stable supply of power in their respective franchise areas… This directive is not only to help students as they attend online classes but a sufficient and stable supply of electricity at this time is what businesses need as we revive the local economy,” said DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi.

Cusi has received reports several power interruptions were experienced in rural areas specifically in General Santos and North Cotabato.

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“Enrollment turnout for the incoming school year is very good so we must anticipate that power demand of households is\ met to ensure the smooth implementation of DepEd’s (Department of Education) distance learning program,” he added.

Masongsong cited the possible use of fiber optic cables in power distribution systems even as he urged ECs to consider setting up microgrids and solar home systems to connect remote communities without access to electricity.

Data showed there are 1.87 million unserved consumers within the coverage areas of 121 ECs across the country.

Meanwhile, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed DUs throughout the country and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to review and reassess their respective applications for capital expenditures to include the changes in the demand profile and the effects of the current pandemic.

“The Commission noted that the assumptions and forecasts used by the DUs and the NGCP for their proposed projects may need to be adjusted, including the timelines or the projects themselves, as the same may no longer be realistic under the current demand and supply scenario,” said Agnes Devanadera, ERC chairperson and chief executive officer.

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