Gov. Tanco sees a probable severe power shortage
Orders Capelco GM to look into the situation ASAP
Part 2
An additional power source of 15-19 megawatts must be made available before Dec. 25, 2009 for CAPELCO. Otherwise, a 10 – 12 month severe power shortage will affect the Province until Global Power’s coal-fired power plant operates on October 2010. If Global Power’s coal fired plant cannot allocate some power for CAPELCO, then the severe brownouts will continue until NGC’s implementation of the new NPIUP, from Bacolod SS, Magalona CTS and San Juan CTS, is started and completed.
Governor Tanco said no time must be wasted and immediately ordered Diaz to look into the situation and implement emergency measures recommended by Pastelero to solve the looming power shortage if required. Diaz held responsible NAPOCOR whose Dingle power station was privatized and sold without any briefing with CAPELCO on what to expect after the takeover. TRANSCO, (the power transmission lines and grid company) had also been sold and privatized. It is now owned by the National Grid Corporation. TRANSCO apparently failed to notify the Power Cooperatives of the delay in uprating the interconnection power lines between Negros and Panay Islands before the company was sold and privatized. They were assured by NAPOCOR that PALINPINON can supply additional power to them.
Diaz assured the Governor of his full cooperation who will personally look into the findings of CAPELCO and the implementation of the emergency measures to resolve the power crisis if it is required. Gov. Tanco acknowledges and thanks a PECO executive for his willingness to help the people of the Province of Capiz by sharing vital information for him.
Federico Pastelero alerted Corro of the possible power shortage situation when they met in Marina last September 8, 2009. This led to a meeting with the PECO VP. Dodoy Tanco kept the Governor updated continually on his special assistant’s finding in Iloilo and his recommendations that brought about the meeting with GM Diaz.
Can Capelco act in time to prevent severe brownouts in the province?
The people and all sectors of the industries of the Province of Capiz attention are now on the Capelco Board and the GM. They have less than 3 months to look into the situation and resolve the approaching crisis. The solution to remedy the power deficiency, if required, takes 2.5 to 3 months to implement. Each day of delay could mean one day more of brownouts. It seems very likely that Capiz can expect a month or two of brownouts worst than what it is experiencing now if CAPELCO does not act on time.
Gov. Tanco’s swift response and decision to order Diaz to investigate and recommend emergency measures may save the Province of Capiz from the highly probable power crisis. Diaz had 101 days to resolve the issue after the meeting. Can GM Diaz do it in time? Will the Capelco President and board unanimously allow him to act without the usual bureaucratic delay? Hey guys, this is an urgent situation and accurate decisions must be made ASAP. Better to be prepared than sorry. It’s now a “Damned if you do or damned if you don’t situation.” Implement a solution that would serve the best interests of the people of Capiz. Tanco’s Local Government Unit (LGU) is prepared to assist CAPELCO should the need arise.