Gwen to environmentalists: Find affordable renewable energy

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has backed the challenge President Benigno Aquino III posed to environmentalists on the operation of a coal-fired power plant.

“I’m challenging the environmentalists… let them invite investors in renewable energy, work out a system by which we may be able to sell this renewable energy at realistic, affordable prices. We will give full support,” Garcia said.

Garcia said there is no debate on the benefits of renewable energy, but solar power is reportedly impossible to sell on a per kilowatt hour basis lower than P15 or P20, as pointed out by Aquino himself. She said industries may afford solar power, but not the ordinary households.

“The fastest way to achieve affordable power is coal fire power even as we will continue to be vigilant to see to it that all environmental laws are fully complied with and that indeed there will be no harm to our people and the environment,” Garcia said, something that Aquino agreed with.

During his visit to Cebu to inaugurate the KEPCO-SPC Power Corporation in Naga City last Monday, Aquino challenged those who continue to oppose the use of coal to choose between rotating brownouts or the problem of dumping coal ash, which can be easily addressed. He pointed out that a renewable energy plan is rolled out to the next 20 years and the power is needed now.

Garcia earlier said the presence of the president’s support for the power plant speaks volumes of Cebu’s growth for the welfare of the Cebuanos.

“We cannot hope to achieve growth and development without that most necessary ingredient,” Garcia said.

She said power is needed by children to go to school, in the maintenance of peace and order, and by industries which provide employment for the people.

“We continue to campaign for more companies to invest in us to cast their votes of confidence in Cebu. We cannot hope to convince them if we cannot show that there is enough, adequate power supply,” Garcia said.

Environmentalists were dismayed that the president attended the inauguration. They said Aquino is simply unaware of the scandal surrounding the said power plant. — (FREEMAN)