Negros Occidental needs a “reliable inland power source” or a power plant based in the province that is capable of supplying enough electricity, an official of the Department of Energy (DOE) said yesterday.
Engr. Rey Maleza, chief of the Energy Management Division of the DOE, said Negros has no reliable inland power source, saying it should start building one this year.
Maleza said three power plants will be opening within the year but are located in Cebu and Iloilo.
One unit is located in Iloilo and two units are located in Cebu, he said.
“In the next five years, the additional 480 megawatts from the three power plants will suffice for the Visayas requirements in the next five years”, Maleza said, adding that it is a great advantage for an area having an inland power source like the province.
Maleza said, the investors are the ones choosing the area where to put up power plants that should pass all the permit requirements of the local government units and other concerned government agencies.
“The resistance of the people as well as the local government officials is one factor that could affect the choice of the investors. Regardless of energy source, it is an advantage for an area having an inland power source”, he pointed out.
Maleza and some officials from the DOE were resource speakers in yesterday’s hearing conducted by the Committee on Energy of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on the ordinance requested by Governor Alfredo Maranon Jr., to declare the province as “coal free.”
Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko, chair of the Committee on Energy said they will soon come up with a report as they are almost done with the hearings conducted.
After that the Committee on Environment will also conduct hearings and also make their report.
Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has assured that all parties, the pro and anti coal will heard by the SP before they would come up with the decision.(NDB)