Power supply issues amid La Niña worry 'Young Guns' 


At a glance

  • The so-called "Young Guns" bloc in the House of Representatives are urgently calling for a comprehensive review of the nation's power situation in relation to the threat of the La Niña phenomenon.


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The so-called "Young Guns" bloc in the House of Representatives are urgently calling for a comprehensive review of the nation's power situation in relation to the threat of the La Niña phenomenon. 

Young Guns Zambales 1st district Rep. Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun, Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez, La Union 1st district Rep. Paolo Ortega V, Isabela 6th district Rep. Faustino “Inno” Dy, Nueva Ecija 1st district Rep. Mikaela Angela “Mika” Suansing, and AKO-Bicol Party-list Rep. Jill Bongalon specifically aired concerns about the power companies' capability to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity. 

They called on the Department of Energy (DOE) and relevant agencies to conduct a thorough review and ensure that all necessary measures are in place. 

Khonghun emphasized the necessity of immediate action. "La Niña is not just a weather event; it is a potential disruptor of daily life and economic activities. We cannot afford to wait until it strikes to realize that we are unprepared. The power companies must assure us that they have contingency plans in place," he said. 

"Our energy infrastructure has to be resilient. Any weakness in our power grid could lead to severe consequences for our people and economy," Khonghun said. 

Adiong echoed these sentiments and highlighted the critical nature of reliable electricity during such times. 

"Our constituents rely heavily on consistent power supply for their day-to-day needs and safety. Any lapse could have dire consequences. We need transparency and proactive measures from our power providers to mitigate any risks associated with La Niña," Adiong said. 

"It is the duty of power companies to provide clear communication and updates to the public, ensuring that everyone is adequately prepared," noted the Mindanaoan. 

Gutierrez, a member of the House minority, can't help but express his apprehension over the current state of the power infrastructure. 

"The infrastructure must be robust enough to withstand the challenges posed by La Niña. This includes not just the capacity to generate electricity, but also the resilience of our transmission and distribution networks," he said. 

Gutierrez stressed: "We need a thorough assessment of our current capabilities and immediate action to address any identified gaps." 

Ortega, for his part, called for a collaborative effort between the government and private sector. "It is imperative that both the government and power companies work hand in hand to ensure that every Filipino household has access to electricity throughout this period. We need coordinated efforts and clear communication channels." 

"The collaboration should extend to creating and implementing long-term strategies that enhance our energy security and sustainability," he added. 

Questioning the readiness of the power sector, Dy asked:"Are our power companies truly prepared? We have seen how past weather events have crippled our electricity supply. It is time for an honest assessment and prompt action." 

"What specific measures have been put in place to handle the expected increase in demand and potential disruptions caused by La Niña?" he said. 

Bongalon urged authorities to focus on sustainable solutions. "In addressing the potential impacts of La Niña, we must also consider long-term, sustainable energy solutions. Investing in renewable energy and improving our infrastructure resilience will pay off in the face of such challenges." 

"Renewable energy sources like solar and wind can provide more stable and reliable power, reducing our dependence on vulnerable traditional power source," Bongalon added. 

The Young Guns said that without proper preparation, the possibility of power outages could adversely impact the lives of millions of Filipinos, from disrupting businesses to affecting the delivery of essential services.