DOE faces House probe on summer’s plant shutdowns
The House of Representatives is set to drag the Department of Energy (DOE) into another round of investigation on why it has not been able to efficiently evade the massive maintenance shutdown of power plants during summer months when demand would typically peak and supply could run tight.
In a resolution filed by Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, the energy department will be quizzed on the circumstances following reported maintenance downtime of at least 20 power generation facilities throughout summer’s duration – lasting until June.
Based on the outlook drawn up by system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), reserves would run low particularly on the months of April and May. And what has been missing in the outlook and even in the planning pronouncements of the DOE had been the “forced outages” factor in power plants – considering that many fleets are aging; as well as the capacity de-rating of some generating assets like the hydro facilities.
The NGCP as system operator has the information crux on the scheduling of power plants’ maintenance and will correspondingly report such to the DOE for proper coordination.
Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella apprised the public in his media interviews that participating interruptible load program (ILP) and the Malaya thermal plant will be called upon for dispatch if supply would breach decent reserve level.
These contingencies, however, will trigger increases in power rates to be billed to consumers – circumstances that could have been avoided if power plant shutdowns are not scheduled at peak demand months and of overlapping extent.
Zarate pointed out that the DOE “seems not learning or heeding the lessons of the past” – that such circumstances in the power system could cut both ways for consumers – in the form of wobbly supply and/or increases in electricity bills.
The lawmaker noted that even if the pass-on of cost impacts would be staggered, that just entails delaying the bad news for Filipino consumers.
“These shutdowns are too numerous and too long and they will definitely cause a spike in power rates if we do nothing about it,” he stressed.
Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi has repeatedly told reporters in the past that to avoid simultaneous shutdowns of power plants, he will opt “for publication of the schedules.” Last year, it was the May elections that had been used as justification for massive maintenance shutdowns around July-August that resulted in rolling brownouts. But nothing of this sort is happening this year.
Even with the concerns being raised by industry players, however, the DOE is less perturbed with the developments with Fuentebella guaranteeing to the public that “no power interruptions” will ever distress them even as weather temperatures rise.
“We have sufficient (supply), but what we are looking at also is sufficiency of reserves,” he stressed.
Polo was one of the more cosmopolitan towns in Bulacan in the 60s. It was the home of Don Generoso Santiago, founder of Premiere Productions. On starry, starry days, Fernando Poe Jr., Zaldy Zhornack and the members of the Low Waist Gang hang around the Santiago compound. The town had no igh school and without a hospital. But it was the gateway to the McArthur Highway and the railroad station that linked the towns in Luzon by train. There were no big restaurants then except "Mangging."
As years passed on, the town became a city and was named after Dr. Pio Valenzuela. We remember him as the emissary of the Katipunan to convince Dr. Rizal to take a lead role in the brewing revolution.
Valenzuela City, however, did not keep pace with peer cities in Metro Manila. The needs of its constituents outgrew the socio-economic infrastructure in the city. The streets were buried in water during the rainy season and public services were below par .... until the political leadership moved into young hands.
A young businessman, Sherwin Gatchalian decided that it was not enough to complain. He felt the need to be part of, and lead the change process. He decided to run as mayor. Fortunately, the people thought it was time for a change as well, and he won. Then things changed for the better. Elementary and high schools rose in every barangay. Barangay roads were cemented and a flood control program was put in place. Massive improvements were done on how public services were delivered. Discipline and professionalism were institutionalized. Mayor Sherwin was so impressed with Marikina City that he took it as a model. The new city hall was built with glass walls separating offices. This was symbolic of transparency with which government is run. Residents transact business in air-conditioned lounges. Instead of long queues and “palakasan,” the first come-first served system is followed through a number system.
Mayor Sherwin topped the transformation of the city government by streamlining processes at City Hall so that transactions can be done in the shortest time possible. Taxes can be paid using mobile phones. But his most important contribution is giving each resident equal access to good social services. The city's emergency hospital is known for its efficiency and kindness. Every barangay has a health center that is equipped with professional staff and a good supply of medicine. The city is clean and traffic enforcers and policemen are in their posts 24/7.
Mayor Sherwin's younger brother, Rex Gatchalian is now at the helm. He faces the daunting task not only of sustaining the gains but topping them. With a strong foundation of governance in place, all signs are there that he is succeeding. Education is at the center of his governance agenda. He has completed what he calls the “sand and gravel program” with beautiful school buildings and a 1:45 teacher to student ratio. Schools are equipped with computers, projectors and TV sets. Valenzuela has the most modern Math and Science School in the country. The city boasts of a center where special children are trained to reach their potential. My favorite place in the city is the People’s Park which is always teeming with people. They have family picnics and spaces for children and special citizens. More than watching the dancing fountains, I am mesmerized by shouts of glee from children riding the merry go-round.
Both brothers are powered with a vision to provide the best to every family in the city. Their benchmarks are the quality of education that they have received. Their strong sense of passion to imbue each resident with pride and dignity is palpable. Senator Sherwin is the quiet and shy one. Mayor Rex is the zappy and zingy one. I call him “kapatas” (foreman) and “katipunero.” He drives us all crazy with his ideas and demand that we complete them “bukas” (tomorrow): Reading and Math camps, feeding programs, workshops for parents, informal schooling for the out-of-school youth, and journals for children and sports for children at risk. A school for Arts and Music is being planned. But like Senator Win, he has a kind heart, listens to the ideas of the poorest and the youngest, and gifts his constituents with his presence, regardless of time and place.
Mayor Jesse must be smiling. His tribe is increasing.
mguevara@synergeia.org.ph