Arroyo warns of power crisis in Boracay

KALIBO, Aklan — The festive mood in the world-famed tourist island of Boracay in Malay, Aklan may turn somber in the years to come if its power facilities fail to cope with the increasing demand for electricity.

In her speech at the ABL Sport Complex here for the golden anniversary celebration of Aklan last Tuesday, President Arroyo warned of a power shortage in four years.

"There is really a tremendous demand coming up. Power is going to be a big problem later on," she said.

The President has inaugurated the Mirant power plant in Nabas, Aklan which was built to serve Boracay and the entire province as well.

By 2010, Aklan is expected to consume 34.5 megawatts (MW), according to engineer Rey Jaleco of National Transmission Corp. (TransCo).

At present, the power demand for the whole province, including Boracay, is 27.3 MW. Boracay alone consumes a peak load of about six to seven MW.

The Aklan Electric Cooperative distributes the electricity generated by the Palinpinon power plant, the power-generating facility of the National Power Corp. in Dingle, Iloilo, and a power barge.

The Mirant power plant is not yet fully operational due to issues on its permit, Jaleco said.

"And anticipating your very rapid development, we will have another power shortage in 2010," the President said, noting the rapid business expansion in Boracay alone.

Before a jampacked crowd at the ABL Sports Complex, the President urged Aklan officials to discuss the looming power crisis with the Department of Energy (DOE).

"This early, I have suggested to your officials that they should discuss with the (DOE the proposed hydroelectric plant in Aklan)," she said.

She added that local leaders should prod government officials to ensure that the proposed hydroelectric plant is included in the 27th Yen Loan Package.

"There is so much to do. Let us all work together to make Aklan richer and richer because the richer Aklan becomes, the richer the Philippines becomes," she said.