A multi-sectoral technical working group (TWG) has been created to deliberate and sort out issues and concerns on the planned privatization of the 728-megawatt Agus-Pulangui hydropower assets in Mindanao.
In a Department Order issued by Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi this month, it was stated that the members of the Agus-Pulangui Hydropower Complex (APHC)-TWG shall comprise of representatives from the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation, National Power Corporation and National Transmission Corporation.
Designated as chair of the technical working group is Energy Assistant Secretary Redentor E. Delola; and the rest will comprise the memberships of the TWG.
As specified by the DOE order, the privatization plan that must be crafted for the Agus-Pulangui hydropower complex must be in keeping with the effective implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law or Republic Act 11054.
The energy chief’s order further stipulated that the APHC-TWG shall be taking support from the Offices of the Undersecretaries, Offices of the Assistant Secretaries; Electric Power Industry Management Bureau; Renewable Energy Management Bureau; Energy Policy and Planning Bureau; Legal Services and the Mindanao Field Office.
“The resource persons as identified shall assist the APHC-TWG in their deliberation of matters relative to privatization of the APHC and other power-related issues in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region by providing their expert views, conducting technical, legal and institutional review as necessary,” the DOE said.
The department similarly prescribed that the TWG can also invite resource persons from other government agencies or private sector “to assist in the fulfillment of their responsibilities.”
The Power Market Development Division of the Electric Power Industry Management Bureau (EPIMB) shall serve as technical secretariat of the TWG, according to the DOE order.
“The Secretariat shall facilitate APHC-TWG meetings and carry out the tasks as may be assigned or as may be necessary to the APHC-TWG in performing their responsibilities,” the department noted.
The privatization of the Agus-Pulangui plants had been deferred by the government because of opposition interjected by various stakeholders in Mindanao.
The last consensus was to plan the divestment of the hydropower assets only after their rehabilitation, a project currently being advanced by state-run National Power Corporation.
The Agus-Pulangui hydropower complex had traditionally been the major source of electricity supply for Mindanao, but sourcing had been subsequently diversified following the commercial operations of various coal-fired power facilities in the grid.