PH may reconsider nuke power: Petilla
Former DOE secretary says it’s time public puts idea to test
A FORMER Cabinet member believes that while it’s an unpopular move, a referendum should be made on whether nuclear energy should be made as an option in the country.
Speaking before members of the Rotary Club of Cebu yesterday, former Energy secretary Jericho Petilla said the power-consuming public must be given an opinion to determine if there is a need to build nuclear power plants in the country.
“It’s about time that we put it to the test and ask the people whether they want it or not,” Petilla said.
Petilla said a referendum will assure that any legal moves against the use of nuclear energy will not reach the Supreme Court.
But aside from the referendum, Petilla believes that a law must be passed to regulate the use of nuclear energy.
But he said that while nuclear power is cheap, there are options to consider, such as renewable sources of energy.
Deficiency
Petilla said the Visayas grid has a supply deficiency of 200 megawatts every now and then.
He said that while the general belief is that the Visayas is supplying power to the Luzon grid, it is actually the other way around.
While around 60 power plants are currently in construction and may soon start operation by 2020, Petilla said it will still take more time before the power situation could be addressed.
Addition
The 60 power plants, that were built due to the initiative of President Benigno Aquino III, could provide an additional 5,000 MW to different areas in the country.
Meanwhile, Petilla said he is still considering the option of running for the Senate in next year’s elections.
Petilla, who resigned as Energy Secretary earlier this year, said that if he will proceed with his plan to run as senator, he will bring his advocacy of providing cheap and available power to the public.
He also wants to implement continuing education for the public on how they can understand the power situation in the country.