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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Gatchalian to DOE: 'Reliable power supply a must during this COVID-19 pandemic'

Gatchalian to DOE: 'Reliable power supply a must during this COVID-19 pandemic'

Published Jun 1, 2021 11:01 am

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Tuesday reminded the Department of Energy (DOE) that it needs to ensure a reliable power supply this summer season as the government cannot afford to stall the rollout of its coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination program.

Gatchalian pointed out many of the vaccines are required to be stored at room temperature to avoid spoilage.

“Just as when the vaccine rollout is now in full swing, the country cannot afford, even for a few minutes, any power interruption as this could have significant implications for vaccine storage,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

“The potency of the vaccines at room temperature may only be maintained for a limited period of time and therefore, any prolonged power outage could cause its spoilage, a situation that we should avoid at all cost given the continuous rise in the number of new COVID-19 cases,” the senator added.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) on Monday said parts of Luzon were hit by rotating power interruptions as high temperatures pushed electricity demand.

But as early as April, the Senate Committee on Energy head said he had already asked the DOE to ensure there is adequate power supply during the summer and the agency made a commitment to do so.

“I called on the DOE, concerned agencies, and all stakeholders in the energy sector to ensure an uninterrupted and reliable power supply given the high demand of electricity during summer season when the reserve margin is usually insufficient,” the senator said.

“Sa harap ng publiko sa isang pagdinig ng Senate Energy Committee noong nakaraang buwan, nagbitiw ng salita ang DOE na wala silang nakikitang posibilidad na magkakaroon ng kakulangan sa suplay ng kuryente (During a public hearing of the Senate Energy Committee last month, the DOE executives said they see no possibility of a shortage of electricity supply),” he pointed out.

“Kailangang magpaliwanag ang ahensiya kung bakit nangyayari itong yellow alert at red alert (The agency should now explain why they are raising a yellow alert and red alert),” Gatchalian stressed.

Related Tags

Department of Energy (DOE) covid-19 Sherwin Gatchalian power outages National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) Senate Energy Committee
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