The House of Representatives committee on energy will study the proposal to grant the President the power to implement temporary measures during an electric power crisis or when prices are surging.
This was disclosed yesterday during the hearing of the committee chaired by Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.
The proposal is among the proposed amendments being pushed by the Department of Energy (DOE) to Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (EPIRA).
The DOE proposal submitted to the committee includes a provision allowing the government to issue “temporary measures” to protect consumers against surcharges in electricity or when power supply is critically low.
“The President may, upon the recommendation of the DOE, issue a declaration of electric power crisis in times of critically low electricity supply or unusually high electricity prices,” the proposed amendment reads. Maricel V. Cruz
“During an electric power crisis, the DOE shall issue temporary measures to mitigate the impact on the consumers and other initiatives for the efficient allocation and conservation of energy,” it said.
The DOE proposal also stated that the effectivity of a declaration will be lifted upon the president’s approval.
In defending the proposal, the DOE acknowledged the country’s energy sector “continues to be driven by its large population and rapidly growing economy.”
“Primary energy supply comprises indigenous energy sources followed by net imported oil and coal. However, the self-sufficiency ratio remains at 50%, showing gaps in the country’s ability to fulfill its energy needs despite the passage of the Republic Act No. 9136 (EPIRA),” the explanatory note read.
For his part, Velasco said his committee is “very committed” to the efforts to amend the EPIRA law that was enacted in 2001. But he said the Senate should match the House’s enthusiasm on such.
Velasco’s commitment was lauded by Rep. Arnie Fuentebella of Camarines Sur.
“Our Chairman [Marinduque lone district Rep.] Lord [Allan] Velasco is very committed to fast-track this bill,” Fuentebella said.
Sadly, Fuentebella said, “what happens is we accomplish our task here in the House, but what about the Senate? So we need also their commitment.”