Boracay to get electricity from coal-fired power plant
BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan — This resort island will soon get a boost of its electricity requirements as the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) plans to distribute coal-fired power to their consumers here beginning next year.
The AKELCO is the exclusive power distributor in the province and in this resort island.
For several years, stakeholders in Boracay have continued to experience worsening power outages due to the diminishing supply of electricity.
Chito Peralta, AKELCO general manager, said they are presently coordinating with the Panay Electric Cooperative (PECO) in Iloilo which earlier announced it would operate a 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant this September.
The coal fired power plant is being established in Dingle, Iloilo.
“We believe that PECO use a cleaner technology for its coal-fired and it is safer for the consumption of this resort island. We are currently negotiating with them for our possible buying of electricity for our consumption next year,” Peralta said.
The AKELCO currently is getting power from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and another contract with the Global Business Power Corporation (GBPC) utilizing a diesel power plant.
“What is good news for now is that we have rescinded the 20 years exclusivity contract with the GBPC and we are now hoping in the operation of the coal-fired power plant,” said Peralta.
The AKELCO is also waiting for the establishment of the 12-megawatt biomass power plant in Banga, Aklan by the ASEA One Power Corporation. (PNA)
