Power Stakeholders Convene to Fast-Track Attainment of 90% Household Electrification

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Household Unified and Strategic Electrification (HOUSE) Team spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE) convened yesterday (January 25) at the Legend Villas Hotel in Mandaluyong City to discuss the various commitments and implementation issues concerning the government’s Total Electrification Program for grid and off-grid areas around the country.

Energy Secretary Zenaida Y. Monsada stressed the fast-tracking of the implementation of all projects and activities to attain the Philippine Development Plan’s target of ninety percent (90%) household electrification by end of 2017. She specifically mentioned the completion of Sitio Electrification Program by end of 1st Quarter of 2016 as a commitment to the President.

Currently, the DOE is laying the foundation and strategies for the Total Electrification Program, which will center on enhancing existing distribution systems and electricity services, intensifying household electrification activities, expanding services to new areas, defining off-grid electrification program, and using renewable energy technologies, such as, solar home systems for off-grid electrification.

Under the Department Circular No. DC2014-09-0018 entitled “Prescribing the Policies for the Implementation of the Household Electrification Program and Creating the Household Unified Strategic Electrification (HOUSE) Team for the Purpose of Achieving the Country’s Total Electrification Goals,” the HOUSE Team members and technical working group include the Department of Budget and Management, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), National Electrification Administration, and representatives from the Distribution Utilities.

On the same day, the DOE had an initial coordination with the members of the Taskforce Election 2016 to thresh out plans of the group to ensure reliable, and continuous supply of energy before, during and until completion of election. Relatedly, another coordination meeting was made with Commission on Elections, Department of National Defense, DILG, NAPOCOR, National Transmission Corporation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in an effort to address the Mindanao power situation before the 2016 elections.

The DOE assures the public that it regularly monitors the power situation around the country even beyond elections.