PNoy to seek emergency powers from Congress to avert power crisis

(Updated 6:52 p.m.) President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday said he will soon seek emergency powers from Congress to avert a possible power crisis next year.

 

In a speech during the launch of the Pagbilao III Power Plant in Makati City, Aquino said he will ask Congress to pass a joint resolution to authorize the national government to contract additional generating capacity.

 

Through this, the President said the government plans to address the 300-megawatt (MW) projected deficit for next year, and to generate another 300 MW in power reserves.

 

"Let me assure, we are keeping tabs on all the factors involved and I am very much aware that the government cannot be complacent in addressing these issues. After all, should there be a shortage, it is our people who will bear the brunt of the burden," Aquino said.

EPIRA

 

The President intends to invoke Section 71 or the Electric Power Crisis Provision under Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). 

 

This provision states that: "Upon determination by the President of the Philippines of an imminent shortage of the supply of electricity, Congress may authorize, through a joint resolution, the establishment of additional generating capacity."

 

Aquino nevertheless assured that government intervention "... will be focused solely on addressing the projected shortage.

 

"We have no plans of intervening to distort the market or complicate the situation even further," the President said.

 

Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla earlier proposed the declaration of a state of national emergency on power due to "very thin" power reserves, which may lead to rotating brownouts in the summer of next year. 

 

The DOE chief said such a declaration will give the President emergency powers to engage the market for power plants or rent modular generators.