SEN. Mary Grace Poe has emphasized the importance of assessing whether the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is fulfilling its obligations under its franchise to ensure the “uninterrupted” delivery of electricity. In light of the recent power outage in Panay and Guimaras islands, she supports the calls for an investigation into the NGCP’s liability, stating that Congress has the authority to review the NGCP’s franchise and determine the necessary actions.
As the head of the Senate Committee on Public Services, Senator Poe highlights the critical nature of the operation and management of power transmission lines. She asserts that there should be no room for inefficiency, mismanagement, or blunders in such a vital aspect of the country’s infrastructure. The recurring blackout in Panay Island has exposed the need for improvements to ensure the consistent delivery of affordable, stable, and accessible electricity to the people in Panay.
Senators Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros, Maria Josefa Imelda “Imee” Marcos, and Francis Tolentino have also filed separate resolutions calling for an investigation into the recent power outage. Senator Hontiveros specifically emphasizes the urgency of conducting an extensive inquiry to address the alleged inaction from the NGCP. She believes that a deeper examination is necessary to understand the causes of the Panay blackout on January 2 and to strengthen the effectiveness of protocols, such as those implemented by the Department of Energy (DoE), during incidents of simultaneous and unplanned power plant shutdowns.
If the Senate’s investigation reveals gross negligence and incompetence in the system operations of the NGCP, Senator Hontiveros asserts that Congress should initiate a review of the NGCP’s concession agreement and ultimately reassess its 25-year legislative franchise. She emphasizes that the nation’s grid operator must not neglect its obligation to transmit electricity efficiently throughout the country.
Senator Marcos raises concerns that the NGCP has violated Republic Act 9511 by failing to improve the grid system and operate and maintain it according to industry standards. She points out that the completion of the Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project and the Cebu-Negros-Panay Interconnection Project, scheduled for 2020, has not been achieved. Furthermore, the NGCP failed to proactively engage distribution utilities and electric cooperatives in Panay to implement manual load reduction measures to prevent a sub-system-wide collapse.
Senator Tolentino highlights the adverse impact of widespread power disruptions on the region’s overall economy, compromising the productivity and operational efficiency of individuals and businesses in the affected provinces. He emphasizes the need for prompt resolution through the adoption of new solutions, including infrastructure upgrades, improved maintenance schedules, and the exploration of alternative energy sources. Failure to address these power disruptions could impede the continuous and uninterrupted growth and prosperity of the region.
In conclusion, the Senate, led by Sen. Mary Grace Poe, is taking action to investigate the NGCP’s compliance with its obligations under its franchise. Senators Hontiveros, Marcos, and Tolentino have joined the call for a thorough examination of the recent power outage in Panay and Guimaras islands. Their collective aim is to ensure that the NGCP fulfills its crucial role in delivering electricity efficiently and reliably to the Filipino people.
Source: The Manila Times
