RISE scores bizmen for social irresponsibility
Environmentalists under the umbrella of Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE) has criticized the position of the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) endorsing the establishment of coal-fired power plants in Iloilo.
In a press statement RISE called IBC's position an act of “social irresponsibility.”
IBC president Antonio Jon said in a press statement last week that the objections of the church and NGOs on the coal-fired power plants have been threshed out.
“There were objections in the past due to lack of better understanding because there were no consultations about the coal plant project.” Jon said.
"If Jon said that he is lying," said Melvin Purzuelo of RISE. "There was a meeting with IBC last July 17, 2006 but RISE and Fr. Robert Amalay were clear in our positions that there must be a participatory and neutral process to decide on the type and capacity of power plant that must be put up."
A Multi-Stakeholders Power Development Planning (MSPDP) process was conducted from a resolution of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 6.
The results showed that the uprating of the submarine cable from 100 MW to 200 MW supplying geothermal energy from Negros Island is enough for the baseload demand of Panay Island until 2020. There is a need for additional 20 MW in the next 5 years and 80 MW by 2020 but in terms of midrange and peaking loads. Coal-fired power plants are not suited for midrange and peaking loads.
Engr. Aurora Lim of CPU said that "contrary to their claims, we clearly understand the issues that is why we oppose the installation of coal fired power plants! That is why we promote the use of renewable energy!"
"Shall we ignore the multisectoral power development plan? Shall we ignore the environmental costs of coal-fired power plants? Shall we bow down to corporate greed? Shall we just surrender and say good bye to renewable energy which are available, clean, and eventually provide cheaper power in the long run?," Lim asked.
Iloilo City is suffering from water scarcity due to the impact of global warming according to the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD). Carbon dioxide emmissions of coal-fired power plants is one of the major causes of global warming.
Instead of endorsing coal-fired power plants RISE urged the IBC to exercise social responsibility by influencing their members particularly Panay Electric Company (PECO) and Panay Power Corporation (PPC) to abide by the orders of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in refunding consumers P2.89 billion for overcharging and reconnecting to the Visayas grid for baseload demand so that Iloilo City can enjoy cheaper and renewable electricity.