Power: A fundamental challenge to economic recovery

Unlike other commodities that can be stored in a refrigerator for future use, electricity produced by power generators that’s not used becomes a wasted resource. Thus, power generators could already be hurting because of the decline in power demand due to the shutdown of factories and other big power users like shopping malls, tourism-related businesses and commercial buildings. of the power sector, particularly the power generators, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Unlike other commodities that can be stored in a refrigerator for future use, electricity produced by power generators that’s not used becomes a wasted resource. Thus, power generators could already be hurting because of the decline in power demand due to the shutdown of factories and other big power users like shopping malls, tourismrelated businesses and commercial buildings.

Perhaps, it’s about time for the nation to give its social conscience a little tweak and consider the fate of power generators as well. After all, we’ve been enjoying sufficient and reliable electricity even amid all the disasters and calamities that hit the country.

And, most importantly, power gives life and saves life. In other words, the country’s economic survival heavily depends on the economic health and viability of the power sector.

Dr. Jesus Lim Arranza is the chairman of the Federation of Philippine Industries and Fight Illicit Trade; a broad-based, multisectoral movement intended to protect consumers, safeguard government revenues and shield legitimate industries from the ill effects of smuggling.