The Federation of Philippine Industries, which is composed of 34 industry associations and 120 corporation manufacturing members, has urged the Energy Regulatory Commission to act on pending power supply agreements.
FPI chairman Jesus Lim Arranza expressed concern over the delays being encountered by several power projects that would ensure the country’s supply in the coming years.
“Energy security is a very important concern for FPI since all of our members are manufacturers that need stable and reliable supply for their operations,” Arranza said.
“That is why we are concerned on the reported delays of several projects because of the lack of PSA approvals,” he added.
FPI agreed that delays in the approval process significantly affect the development of base load power plants, which could produce reliable electricity 24/7. These plants take around three to four years to build.
“Power plant developers should start constructing their projects now to ensure that we will have sufficient supply that will support the country’s economic growth,” Arranza said.
FPI has backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Build! Build! Build!” infrastructure program, which can only be supported if the industries work together. The energy sector plays a crucial role in ensuring affordable and reliable supply.
“And as part of this sector, we enjoin the ERC to do its role by acting on the more than 90 PSAs pending with the commissions since April last year,” Arranza said.
The FPI also lauded the administration’s move to declare energy projects as of national significance.
“We welcome the continued push of the Department of Energy to streamline the processing of energy projects that will ensure energy security,” Arranza said.
President Duterte issued on June 30, 2017 Executive Order No. 30, creating an Energy Investment Coordinating Council led by the DoE.