Cusi Holds Energy Coordination Meeting on Mayon Volcano Eruption in Albay

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Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi held a coordination meeting on 29 January (Monday) in the Province of Albay with the members of the energy family (Generation, Transmission and Distribution Sectors), officials of the local government units of Albay headed by Governor Al Francis Bichara, Representatives Christopher Co and Rodel Batocabe from AKO Bicol Party List.

In his opening remarks, Cusi emphasized the significance of implementing the recently issued energy resiliency policy in which energy stakeholders are tasked to submit their compliance plan reflecting the energy resiliency measures they opt to undertake.

“Your experience in resiliency must be seen in this current situation with Mayon (Volcano),” Cusi said.

The generation sector was represented by AP Renewables, Inc., Philippine Geothermal Production Company Inc. and Energy Development Corp., which owns and operates Tiwi and BacMan geothermal plants in the Province of Albay, respectively. The companies reported that the output of the two geothermal plants remain the same and that they are already implementing their resiliency plans that include the protection of their employees.

The transmission sector, represented by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), reported that the facilities are under normal operations. The NGCP is particularly looking into the protection of NH transmission facilities that connects the Luzon and the Visayas. It also conducted preventive maintenance procedures that included the cleaning up of the lines which in a manner that did not result in any power interruption.

For the distribution sector, the National Electrification Administration and Albay Electric Cooperative Inc., with its concessionaire, Albay Power and Energy Corporation, stated that the distribution services are generally under normal conditions with the exception of a few barangays in the danger zone. They also stated that they are closely coordinating with the NGCP in the distribution operations.

Additionally, due to ash fall, Rep. Christopher Co raised the need to address the distribution poles that obstruct the road expansion and rehabilitation projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

Sec. Cusi stated that there is a joint issuance signed by the DOE and DPWH. It already addressed the funding issue where the infrastructure project covers the transfer of the distribution poles. It prevents another “pass on” item to consumers.

During the open forum, Gov. Al Francis Bichara thanked the Secretary for coming and meeting the energy stakeholders in Albay

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