Coal-fired power plant issue rises from the grave
Iloilo -- For Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla a long term is solution is needed to address the deficiency of power supply in Iloilo City. One of the possible options, he said, is to put up a coal-fired power plant.
Lotilla said it is a fact that Panay suffers a deficit in power supply of about 56.7 megawatts. The figure does not include Iloilo City which consumes 80 megawatts per day.
Lotilla said the provisional authority given by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to Panay Electric Company Inc (Peco) is only a temporary solution to the problem. The problem should be solved in a sustainable way, he said.
Lotilla said, 'we have to put our acts together and the ultimate solution is the presence of a power plant with the use of cheaper sources of fuel.'
There are five possible sources of power in the country, oil-based, hydro, geothermal, coal and natural gas. 'Coal is the cheapest source of power,' observed Lotilla.
Lotilla said the fears of the people on the environment would be addressed. The risk of pollution and other environmental concerns could be put on the top of the list should there be a power plant to support the power needs of the city.
At present, the government has raised several concerns when it comes to the power situation in the city.
Initially, the department is contemplating for the transfer of Power Barge 101 from Cebu to Panay (Sta. Barbara), reconnect Iloilo City to a Grid and run at least four units of PDPP3 (Pinamucan) to address the additional load of Iloilo City to Grid. However, Lotilla said, these are just temporary solutions.
The energy secretary added that the transmission lines from Negros and Cebu are also prone to terroristic acts. It is better if Panay or Iloilo has its own power supply to augment its power needs.
To note, two investors showed interest in putting up coal-fired power plants in Iloilo province. DMCI Consunji eyed the town of Concepcion while Mirant Global Philippines, owner of PPC, eyed Barotac Viejo town.
Said proposals, however, were temporarily shelved due to strong opposition from residents of the respective towns.