MANILA, March 3 (PNA) — Having made “proactive” preparations, the Department of Energy (DOE) is confident that it would be able to deal with the impending power shortage, even without the special powers sought by the government, a Palace official said on Tuesday.
In a press briefing in Malacañang, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said the DOE has begun making preparations in August to September last year.
“Inasahan nga sana natin na mas maaga ang pagbibigay ng emergency powers para mas malawak sana ang mga opsyon. Ngayon at limited na ang mga opsyon, makikita na rin naman natin na nakabuo na rin naman ng kahandaan ang DOE sa pamamagitan ng pakikipag-ugnayan sa pribadong sector, dahil marami nang mga kumpanya ang nagpahayag ng kanilang kahandaan na gamitin ang kanilang mga sariling generator sets,” Coloma said.
He further said that the department has already begun campaigning for the use of energy conservation measures, and has been monitoring the maintenance schedules of power plants.
“Kaya sa pangkalahatan, ayon sa latest projection ng DOE, nakikita nilang minimal ang maaaring maging shortage o power supply deficiency,” he said.
Congress has yet to pass a law granting President Benigno S. Aquino III special powers to avert the projected power shortage during the upcoming summer months. (PNA)