The Sangguniang Panlalawigan has requested the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) and its lone power supplier, Sunwest Water & Electricity Co. (SUWECO) to submit a comprehensive plan to end power interruptions in the province.
In the resolution authored by Provincial Board Member Joselito Alberto and approved last week, the cooperative and the private company are to submit the plan within 30 days to the SP Committee on Energy for evaluation and in aid of legislation.
Recently, the board member delivered a privilege speech urging the energy sector to resolve the frequent brownouts in the province by offering a concrete and sustainable solution.
During the committee meeting held on June 13, 2024, the rotating brownouts were blamed on low water level at the mini-hydroelectric power plants, mechanical problems with diesel generators, and intervention of wildlife.
FICELCO General Manager Engr. Francis Gianan and SUWECO manager Floro Barrameda also pointed out that every summer, the demand for power increases to over 16 megawatts, which is more than the 13mW required of SUWECO under the existing Electricity Supply Agreement (ESA).
The committee resolved to review the ESA, with the intervention of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, and asked the cooperative and the company to use the spare transformer at Solong HPP to make the back-up gensets at Marinawa DPP operational.
However, the supplier sought an extension of 30 days after it found out that the spare transformer is defective.
“To restore and maintain the trust and confidence of public consumers, it is imperative that FICELCO and SUWECO present a robust and effective plan to resolve the decade-long power supply issues in Catanduanes,” the SP stated.
PBM Alberto pointed out that while immediate alternative solutions may provide temporary relief, a comprehensive plan is essential to accommodate the future increase in power demand and ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for the province.
Rotating brownouts started plaguing the Catanduanes island grid since the first week of June.
The low water level at the two hydro plants limited their output for just a few hours each day while mechanical breakdowns of several diesel gensets at the Marinawa DPP contributed to the power deficiency.