DOE forms task force to oversee power supply in May polls

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy (DOE) is forming a task force to ensure adequate and reliable power supply for the May national and local elections.

In a circular published yesterday, the agency said it is creating Power Task Force Election 2016 to oversee the provision of power supply before, during and after the elections.

“In accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 10023, the DOE deems it necessary to adopt measures to ensure provision of stable and continuous supply of power during the national and local elections starting from May 2, 2016 until the termination or conclusion of the canvassing of votes and the proclamation of the winning candidates,” the circular said.

The task force will consist of the DOE, National Grid Corp. of the Philippines National Electrification Administration, National Power Corp., National Transmission Corp., Philippine Electricity Market Corp., and Manila Electric Co.

As lead agency, the DOE shall establish a systematic monitoring and reporting scheme and implement mitigating measures to minimize, if not prevent, power outages during the period.

Members, on the other hand, shall ensure the operations of their respective facilities and systems and report regular updates to the DOE.

Meanwhile, supporting organizations include Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Retail Electricity Suppliers Association Private Electric Power Operators Association and  Philippine Federation of Electric Cooperatives.