DOE Set To Launch WESM Mindanao

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) under the helm of Secretary Alfonso Cusi has been laying the groundwork in Mindanao in order to deliver quality, reliable, secure and affordable electricity” to the region through the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

Energy Undersecretary Wimpy Fuentebella revealed this today during a presentation on WESM in this city. “Sec. Cusi sends his message that WESM is not only for Luzon or Visayas but also for Mindanao,” said Fuentebella.

Fuentebella likened the spot market to “a dating place” to determine compatibility among potential energy partners. 

"The spot market is where the demand and the supply of electricity meet so that there will be an increased efficiency in the use of energy.

Fairness and transparency. That is the bedrock of the rules to have a level playing field for the good energy participants to shine," he said during the forum.

The WESM mechanism will also bring more flexibility, progress and, most importantly, enhance the power of choice for the consumers, he added. 

GEARING UP FOR WESM Mindanao: Representatives from the power industry listen during the seminar on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao conducted by Department of Energy officials on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, in Cagayan de Oro City. DOE Division Chief Luningning Baltazar conducted the briefing for the launch of WESM Mindanao and the transition guidelines. The DOE delegation was led by Usec. Wimpy Fuentebella. He was joined by Usec. Benito Ranque, Asec. Redentor Delola and Mindanao Asec. Romeo Montemayor. 

Fuentebella revealed that Cusi has been spearheading the DOE’s activities in Mindanao since last January because he aims for the island to level up. “We are geared to launch the WESM Mindanao this June,” Fuentebella said.

The DOE official said they have already conducted consultations on the launch of WESM in Mindanao through trial operations.

“The real commercial operations will depend on the readiness criteria of the industry players here in Mindanao,” said Fuentebella.

Meanwhile, Cusi has assigned Usec. Benito Ranque and Asec. Redentor Delola to oversee the energy situation in Mindanao during the duration of martial law.

“Sec. Cusi tasked the DOE to monitor the Mindanao situation 24/7, to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of quality energy services for Mindanao,” Fuentebella said.

The DOE is enforcing a price freeze for kerosene and household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to last until June 7. 

Cover Photo caption: GEARING UP FOR WESM Mindanao: Representatives from the power industry listen during the seminar on the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) in Mindanao conducted by Department of Energy officials on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, in Cagayan de Oro City. DOE Division Chief Luningning Baltazar conducted the briefing for the launch of WESM Mindanao and the transition guidelines. The DOE delegation was led by Usec. Wimpy Fuentebella. He was joined by Usec. Benito Ranque, Asec. Redentor Delola and Mindanao Asec. Romeo Montemayor.