by Alfonso T. Ruda
DIPOLOG CITY, APR.
23(PIA)---The
Sangguniang Panlungsod of Dipolog City has recently passed a resolution
opposing the planned privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydropower plants that
supply electricity in Mindanao.
The
resolution was passed by Council Cyril Ruiz during the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s
regular session last April 17.
The
same sentiment was also aired by the Mindanao stakeholders during the recent
Energy Summit held in Davao City.
Among
the reasons cited by Ruiz for his strong opposition to the planned privatization
is its negative to the ordinary electric consumers.
The
city legislator fears for the possible power rates increase which ordinary
consumers might not be able to cope up.
Ruiz
said that privatization of Agus-Pulangi Hydropower plants is not the answer to
the energy crisis in Mindanao but the rehabilitation and proper maintenance of
the two hydropower plants.
He
blamed the negligence of the plant management for the present condition of the
plants which supply the energy needs of the region.
The Department of Energy has proposed number of solutions has
included the transfer of power barges, proper contracting of stakeholders for
power supply from power utilities, and the rehabilitation of the Agus and
Pulangi hydropower complex.
At the same Energy Summit, Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras
stated that preparations must be intensified as experts have made mention that
rainfall patterns in Mindanao have already changed. Mindanao’s power, as the DOE
has stated before, is sourced mainly from hydropower plants which is dependent
on the amount of rainfall. “When power supply is intermittent or irregular, we
run the risk of having a power shortage. There are too many variables when we
rely too much on a single power source and those variables need to be
extrapolated and contingencies must be in place for these,” Secretary Almendras
stressed.(ATR/PIA9-Zambo Norte}
