MindanaoToday.com | Mindanao Power Summit 2024 crafts resolutions for energy security, innovation
By: Lou Ellen L. Antonio
ILIGAN CITY – During the two-day Mindanao Power Summit 2024 here on May 30-31, about 700 stakeholders from different parts of Mindanao developed thirteen resolutions to achieve energy security and innovation.
Dubbed “Energy Secure and Empowered Mindanao through Innovations,” the summit aims to transform the region’s power sector by bringing together local government units, chambers of commerce, electric cooperatives and companies, different national government agencies, academe, students, among others.
Resolutions proposed at the summit
Among the proposed resolutions, participants of the summit urged the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to establish a balancing mechanism to protect consumers from costs associated with promoting renewable energy programs like net metering and distributed energy resources.
The DOE proposed another resolution, urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to refrain from pursuing privatization or concessionary agreements for the rehabilitation and operation of the existing Agus Pulangi Hydropower Complexes (APHPC). APHPC’s main water source is Lake Lanao in Lanao del Sur, which has hydroelectric potential.
This complex consists of six cascading power plants situated along the Agus River. Agus V, VI, and VII Hydroelectric Plants are located in Iligan City, while Agus I is located in Marawi City, Agus II in Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, Agus IV in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte, and Pulangi IV Hydroelectric Plant in Maramag, Bukidnon. These power plants are crucial components of Mindanao’s power grid and contribute significantly to the region’s electricity supply.
Moreover, there were appeals for the acceleration of renewable energy projects in Mindanao and the integration of renewable energy investments into local government plans. Additionally, resolutions endorsed the adoption and further review of the “Energy Storage Project” and the harmonization of guidelines for the implementation of Executive Order No. 1, Series of 1994, which aims to ensure that host communities receive a fair portion of the profits generated by power plants operating in their vicinity. The DOE Act of 1992 established this policy framework, aligning it with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Participants also called for legislation on re-franchising and open franchising for private distribution utility companies, as well as the establishment of a Power Consumer Council. Other resolutions included urging the study of hydrogen as an alternative renewable energy option and the creation of City Power Advisory Development Councils in highly urbanized and component cities.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also proposed resolutions to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the energy sector, such as urging the DOE to establish stricter limits for loss of load expectations, developing capacity and operating reserve markets, and engaging the ERC to expedite approval processes. Additionally, they call for better coordination of energy resources across regions and improvements to reliability benchmarks.
The Senate will endorse these resolutions when they are presented at the National Power Summit on June 19.
Addressing critical energy issues and opportunities
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation of Iligan Inc. spearheaded the summit in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority, Iligan city government, Regional Development Council-10, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, and PCCI to discuss and address critical energy issues and opportunities in Mindanao.
“This summit aims to demystify the power and energy sectors, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing discussion and collaboration. The energy sector today faces several major challenges, including energy security, sustainability, regulatory frameworks, and technological advancement. Addressing these energy issues is critical for the future of Mindanao,” Iligan Chamber of Commerce President Reggie Punongbayan said.
Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, emphasized the critical role of power in business and stressed the importance of harnessing renewable energy sources, such as hydro, solar, and battery systems, to address the region’s power needs sustainably.
“You cannot run a business nowadays without power. And you cannot make money with expensive power. So, power is such an important ingredient,” he said.
On the other hand, Embassy of Malaysia Consul General Deddy Faisah Ahmad Salleh emphasized the enhancement of energy cooperation through joint missions and partnerships, particularly focusing on the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-
Energy reforms and innovations
During the summit, DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla outlined the current situation and major achievements in the energy and power sectors. Additionally, he emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting greener mobility and a fuel-free environment through the implementation of Republic Act No. 11697, also known as the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.
Other topics discussed at the summit include transparency and strategic energy reforms, new energy generation innovations, renewable energy options, and sustainable energy through cooperativism. Funding and financing institutions also shared their programs and services, such as financing renewable energy projects, providing loans, and providing growth and technical assistance.
Furthermore, summit participants shared insights from the discussions and opportunities. Nick Sanchez, a supervising administrative officer of the Anti-Red Tape Authority Northern Mindanao, noted issues raised at the summit, particularly with permits for big-ticket power projects. He will also report these concerns to their main office for appropriate action. He also committed to partnering with the Iligan Chamber of Commerce to address red tape issues effectively.
On the other hand, Resee Capugan, an administrative officer of the Filipino American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston, found the summit fruitful because they are interested in investments in renewable energy.
The Department of Science and Technology, MinDA, the Land Bank of the Philippines, and other government agencies and industry stakeholders also showcased their products, services, and programs in a booth exhibit. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
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