Palace expects Congress to expedite approval of emergency powers resolution

Malacañang expects lawmakers to expedite the approval of the measure that will give President Benigno Aquino III emergency powers to avert a looming power shortage during the summer months next year.

“Umaasa po tayo na mamadiliin yung pagpasa nito (emergency powers resolution)... na mabubuo ito sa lalong madaling panahon para sa kapakinabangan ng bansa,” Presidential Communications Secretarty Herminio Coloma Jr. said over state-run dzRB on Sunday.

Also, Coloma said: "Kailangan din ‘yung katuwang na bersyon mula sa Senado para maging ganap ‘yung joint congressional resolution... dahil kailangan po ng panahon para paghandaan ‘yung inaasahang kakulangan sa power reserves sa darating na tag-init sa taong 2015.

The House Energy committee on Nov. 18 approved House Joint Resolution 21 authorizing the executive branch to establish additional generating capacity for the Luzon grid through the Interruptible Load Program.

It indicated a maximum projected supply shortfall of 1,004 megawatts (MW) for certain weeks during the summer months of 2015, of which 600 MW is needed to meet the immediate reserve while 404 MW is needed to meet the required contingency reserve.

House Energy committee chairman Oriental Mindoro Rep. Reynaldo Umali had said he plans to have the measure approved on third and final reading before the end of November.

According to a data posted on Kuryente.org.ph, 31 companies who have agreed to join ILP, as of Nov. 19.

The companies are expected to contribute 175.97 MW under the ILP with Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). — Kathryn Mae P. Tubadeza /LBG, GMA News