P5.6B earmarked for electrification

As much as P5.6 billion has been earmarked for projects that will provide electricity to more households in the Philippines, according to the proposed national budget for next year.

This was in line with the administration’s thrust to help “bring progress to the countryside.”

Data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that state-run National Power Corp. (Napocor) would receive P2.8 billion for the installation of transmission lines and substations in so-called off grid and far flung areas. A portion of this budget will be used for the maintenance of generating assets in the said areas.

Through the Small Power Utilities Group, Napocor owns and operates 470 generating units with rated capacity of 187.34 megawatts in 242 areas.

As of April this year, this nationwide operation was composed of 280 land-based power plants, one hydroelectric plant, one hybrid wind turbine farm and eight barge-mounted power plants. It serves customers in isolated grids composed of 39 electric cooperatives and seven local government units.

Another P1.8 billion will go to the National Electrification Administration, which is expected to implement electrification projects in 2,410 sitios and 72,300 households.

In the meantime, the Department of Energy will get P1 billion for its own electrification projects which will benefit 190,600 households in both off-grid and on grid areas.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi earlier said the Duterte administration was aiming for 100 percent household electrification nationwide by the end of its six-year term.

At present, household electrification was reportedly lowest in Mindanao at 72 percent; 90 percent in Luzon and 92 percent in the Visayas. Amy R. Remo