MANILA, Philippines—Power utilities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) are pushing the development of an Asean Power Grid, in view of the global financial crisis and its impact on Southeast Asian economies.

In a joint statement posted on National Power Corp.’s website, the 25th Heads of Asean Power Utilities/Authorities (Hapua) Council said it was supporting the Asean governments’ goal of having a regional power grid to ensure the sustainability and security of power supply, and promote electricity trade among member-countries.

The Hapua Council noted that the global financial meltdown had resulted in “lagging energy sales which, in turn, spelled considerable revenue losses for most Asean electric utilities.”

“[Thus], the key item on the agenda of Hapua continues to be the development of a platform towards the realization of an Asean Power Grid,” it added.

To achieve this, the council said it was considering implementing all Hapua bilateral and multilateral interconnection projects by 2015.

It also targets to complete the Asean Interconnection Master Plan Study and studies on crossborder issues—all aimed at developing harmonized legal and regulatory frameworks, standards and codes, and contractual arrangements.

“The operation of an Asean Power Grid rests not only on infrastructure, but also on the harmonization of legal and regulatory regimes,” it said.

“Therefore, the council seeks greater support and assistance of the governments of Asean member-states in the timely execution of the initiatives stated in the Memorandum of Understanding on the Asean Power Grid, particularly on crossborder issues,” it added.

The Hapua member-countries are Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The 25th Hapua Council meeting held last month was formally opened by National Power Corp. president Froilan A. Tampinco, as the outgoing chair of the Council.

In his opening remarks, Tampinco expressed confidence that Hapua members would be able to attain their vision of an Asean Power Grid.

“Knowing the caliber, the level of expertise and the commitment of the people here today, I believe that the task would be fairly easy, especially as we share a common vision of furthering our ties, strengthening our bonds and creating avenues for us to work together in the context and spirit of the Asean,” Tampinco said.