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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian urges NEA to provide immediate relief to electric coops in Odette-hit areas

Gatchalian urges NEA to provide immediate relief to electric coops in Odette-hit areas

Published Dec 19, 2021 11:02 am

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday urged the National Electrification Administrtaion (NEA) to immediately utilize the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund (ECERF) to help electric cooperatives affected by Typhoon Odette restore power lines within their areas.

Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy said this would help expedite the repair of power lines and other damaged electricity infrastructure in the wake of the typhoon’s onslaught.

The senator said immediate restoration of power lines would also make it easier for authorities to make an accurate assessment of the extent of devastation and the needed coordination for the provision of emergency relief to displaced families.

The ECERF, he said, was given a P200-million appropriation for this year.

“Sa lakas ng pinsala ng bagyong Odette, huwag naman sanang umabot pa ng pasko ang brownout sa ilang lugar sa bansa (With the huge damage brought about by typhoon Odette, I hope provinces badly hit by the typhoon will not experience the blackouts until Christmas),” Gatchalian said.

“Nananawagan ako sa NEA na gawan ng paraan ang pinangangambahan ng mga kababayan natin upang makapagdiwang sila ng pasko nang normal (I call on the NEA to exert all efforts to allay the fears of our people so they can celebrate Christmas normally),” Gatchalian said.

While it was earlier reported that some areas may have no electricity until Christmas, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it would do its best to immediately restore power in affected areas.

As principal author and sponsor of the ECERF Law, Gatchalian reminded that Republic Act No. 11039 was designed specifically to provide immediate financial assistance to electric cooperatives for the rehabilitation of damaged power lines and distribution facilities.

Tapping the ECERF would also stop electric cooperatives (ECs) from passing on to consumers the rehabilitation costs in their monthly electricity bills.

“With the existence of this fund program and the availability of funds, we can ensure the normalization of power supply in the affected provinces the soonest possible time,” the lawmaker stressed.

Related Tags

National Electrification Administration (NEA) Electric cooperatives Sherwin Gatchalian odette
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