Congressman Eulogio Rodriguez is absolutely correct in saying that the real permanent solution to the erratic power supply in Catanduanes is the interconnection of the island grid with the mainland Luzon grid.
Diesel generators alone won’t be enough, as the high cost of fuel results in expensive electricity.
Hydropower alone is not so dependable in the light of the effects of climate change and in 2026, the super El Niño. Even if the island has 10 hydroelectric power plants, it would not be reliable during the summer months.
Solar power alone is not advisable as the island has no defined rainy or dry season. Besides, the frequency with which typhoons visit the island means the solar panels have to be removed two or three days before the storm’s expected arrival and be restored sometime thereafter.
That is probably why FICELCO’s Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) for a new supplier of 24 megawatts of electricity requires a mix of fossil-fuel energy and renewable energy.
It is possible that the diesel power plant would be at Marinawa with a total capacity of 13.9 mW.
The renewable energy source from hydro, solar or wind power would be at either of the two other connection points in Palawig, San Andres, and San Isidro, Viga.
As to who among the country’s big power providers would be able to offer reliable and reasonably priced electricity using diesel gensets and solar power remains to be seen.
The long-term plan remains the interconnection of the grid, which would require funding of at least P10 billion for the National Power Corporation (Napocor) or the National Transmission Corporation (Transco).
The soonest Cong. Rodriguez or TGP Partylist Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr. convinces their colleagues to set aside the needed budget, the better.
The grid interconnection has been in the long-term plan of Napocor, but its implementation has been set back from 2028, then to 2030 and recently to 2035.
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Hanabana Construction & Equipment Corporation, whose VP for Business Development recently met with Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza to offer its services in resolving the lack of water supply in several towns, is based in Cagayan de Oro City.
According to its website, it is engaged in well drilling, pipe paying and conventional water treatment plants and has established 11 water treatment plants mostly in Mindanao in partnership with water districts.
The chief executive said Hanabana will not compete with the water districts in Virac and San Andres (Caramoran has no WD) but instead will supply potable water to the districts.
Like the proposal that was submitted to the municipal government of Virac, the company would probably put up the treatment plant somewhere along the Pajo river in Virac, with the treated water to be linked to VIWAD’s transmission lines.
As to how much Hanabana will charge for the treated water, it remains to be seen. Local officials as well as water district managers will have to carefully check if it would lead to an increase in water rates.
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THE MISSING INGREDIENT. A food critic visits a local restaurant to review its food for the town magazine.
The owner welcomes him and shows him to the table.
The food is presented to him and after a while, the critic calls the owner to say that there is something missing in his bowl of soup.
The owner asks whether it is too spicy or sweet or salty.
When the food critic says no, the owner decides to taste the soup himself but he can’t find the spoon. “Yeah,” says the critic, “that’s what is missing.”