THE Provincial Board (PB) asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), through the Department of Energy (DOE), not to act on petitions for power rate increase.
These agencies should look for ways to reduce power rates instead, PB Members Thadeo Ouano and Sergio Restauro said in a resolution that was passed in mass motion during the session yesterday.
“Our country is blessed with alternative and renewable sources of energy, which are not only environment-friendly but also generate power at lower costs,” the PB resolution read.
The PB believes a power rate increase would result in demands for increase in the prices of goods, fare and wages.
Investors
On the other hand, bringing down electricity rates would make Cebu more attractive to investors that, in turn, will create more jobs.
The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (Psalm) has a pending petition to increase power rates by 40 centavos per kilowatthour before the ERC.
ERC reviews proposals that would affect end-consumers of electricity, including power rates, charges that are incorporated in power costs, and operations of distribution utilities and power generators.
The PB said power rates can still be brought down.
Competition
The PB also proposed that the DOE—which is headed by Secretary Rene Almendras, younger brother of Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale—implement a program that would improve competition and attract investment in the energy sector.
Last week, five organizations asked President Benigno Aquino III to defer power rate increases.
The groups are the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Philippine Steelmakers Association, Freedom from Debt Coalition and Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) party-list.
The groups said power rate increases eat part of a family’s budget that is usually allotted for food, medicines and education. –Rizel S. Adlawan, Sun Star
World Day for Safety and Health at Work
“Safety and health at work every day!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar to carry out the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry recommendations against serious violations of Forced Labour and Freedom of Association protocols.
Accept National Unity Government
(NUG) of Myanmar.
Reject Military!
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Last Week of March: Protection and Gender Fair Treatment of the Girl Child Week
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Mar 25 – International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transallantic Slave Trade
Mar 27– Earth Hour
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Apr 22 – World Earth Day
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