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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House leader pushes for creation of renewable energy agency

House leader pushes for creation of renewable energy agency

Published Oct 13, 2022 01:16 pm

A lawmaker from Mindanao is pushing for the creation of a state corporation that would focus on the development of renewable energy.

House Deputy Speaker and Cayagan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Photo from Rep. Rodriguez’s Facebook page)

House Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said his proposal to create the Philippine Renewable Energy Corp. (PREC) is contained in House Bill (HB) No. 4205, which he filed.

“It is imperative for the government to take a more active role in assuring adequate supply of electricity with the use of renewable energy sources, thereby reducing the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigate the impact of climate change,” he said in a statement.

The veteran lawmaker underscored the need for Congress to enact measures that would help ensure “stable, affordable and reliable“ supply of electricity leading towards the country’s economic growth and stability.

He also highlighted the urgency to undertake electrification projects through the “development of renewable energy sources in underserved, unserved and missionary areas".

Rodriguez made a stronger push for the development of new renewable energy projects after Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla warned the country’s power supply situation will likely be difficult in the first half of 2023.

“Accelerating existing projects and finding new sources will eventually boost supply,” he stressed.

In his bill, the biomass, solar, wind, geothermal, ocean energy, and hydropower were cited as renewable energy resources.

The proposed measure abolishes the Philippine National Oil Corp.-Renewables Corp. (PNOC-RC) and transfers its power, functions, projects, investments, funds, property and other assets, and personnel to the proposed PREC.

The envisioned new entity would also inherit the Agus-Pulangui Hydroelectric Power Plant complex and its facilities, which are currently operated and maintained by the National Power Corp. (Napocor).

The bill provides that the complex, consisting of seven power plants and located along the Agus and Pulangui rivers in Lanao and Bukidnon, shall be exempt from privatization. The plants generate about 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

“The plants shall be retained to generate buffer supply for Mindanao,” Rodriguez said.

Under the bill, P7 billion is proposed to be included in the national budget as initial appropriation for PREC.

Aside from the appropriation, the corporation’s authorized capital shall include all assets it would receive from PNOC-RC and the Agus-Pulangui complex and its facilities.

There will be a board of directors, composed of seven members to be appointed by President for a term of three years, that will govern the new corporation.

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