DOE considers use of nuclear energy to reduce power rates in Philippines

By DONA MAGSINO, GMA News, 22 May 2020

The Department of Energy (DOE) is exploring the possibility of tapping nuclear energy to further lower the cost of electricity in the Philippines amid the global pandemic, according to the agency’s head on Friday.

During a Joint Congressional Energy Commission hearing, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said that though thecoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation has caused lower demands for electricity resulting in reduced rates, the DOE is working to further make it affordable for Filipino families.

“Una po, sa nararanasan nating problema, isinusulong po namin ‘yung nuclear… DOE is exploring all the possibilities so makakaasa po kayo na tinitingnan po natin lahat ‘yan,” Cusi said after Senator Risa Hontiveros asked if the DOE has any initiatives to ensure that the public won’t be burdened by costly electricity bills, especially amid the health crisis.

Cusi has been pushing for the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix.

He presented a nuclear energy program to President Rodrigo Duterte last March. Malacanang, however, said the possibility of reviving the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was not discussed. -MDM, GMA News