GMA warns of power crisis looming over Boracay
KALIBO, Aklan--Iloilo is not alone as far as power woes are concerned.
The always festive mood in the world-famed tourist island of Boracay in Malay, Aklan province may grind to a halt in the years to come if power facilities cannot cope up with the increasing demand for electricity.
In her speech at the ABL Sport Complex here for the Golden Anniversary Celebration of Aklan last Tuesday, President Arroyo warned of a power shortage in four years time.
"There is really a tremendous demand coming up. Power is going to be a big problem later on," she said.
She stressed though that the 'big problem' is 'not yet now,' as she has just inaugurated Mirant Power Plant in Nabas, Aklan. The newly-commissioned power plant was constructed particularly to serve Boracay and, at the same time, increase the power supply for the province.
By 2010, Aklan is expected to be consuming 34.5 megawatts (MW), according to Engineer Rey Jaleco of Transmission Corporation (TransCo).
At present, the power demand for the whole province, including Boracay, is 27.3 MW, with Boracay island alone consuming a peak load of about six to seven megawatts. Aklan Electric Cooperative distributes the electricity generated from the Palinpinon Power Plant, National Power Corporation power generating facility in Dingle, Iloilo and a power barge.
The Mirant Power Plant is not yet fully-operational as there are issues regarding its permit, Jaleco said. Their operation is intermittent, he stressed.
"And, anticipating that your very rapid development, we will have another power shortage in 2010," President Arroyo said. She noted that business in Boracay is rapidly expanding. Hence, there is a need for more power.
Before the jampacked crowd at the ABL Sports Complex, the President urged Aklan local officials to discuss with the Department of Energy the looming power crisis.
"This early, I have suggested to your officials that they should discuss with the Department of Energy (the proposed hydropower electric plant in Aklan)," she stressed, adding that local officials should prod government officials to ensure that the proposed hydropower plant is included in the 27th Yen Loan Package.
"There's so much to do. Let's all work together to make Aklan richer and richer because the richer Aklan becomes, the richer the Philippines becomes," she urged.