Eastern Visayas leaders contemplate on setting up own power plant

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA 8)
September 11, 2010

TACLOBAN CITY  –  Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla disclosed that all the governors of the various provinces in Eastern Visayas are now seriously contemplating on putting up own power-generation plant harnessing the geothermal power plant in Tongonan, Leyte, in order to solve the power problems in the area.

It was learned that the continuing privatization of the power industry sector including the power plants and ancillary services has brought power concerns to the host region.

This is one of the options the region has if at all it cannot get sustainable power from various companies, Gov. Petilla said, adding that this idea has already been suggested to other governors of Region 8, and they are all open to it as an option.

Governor Petilla who was recently nominated to chair the Regional Development Council of Region 8, said that in order to brace from the looming power shortage, the Region must exert efforts to set up its own generating plant.

It was learned that before announcing this plan, the Governor who was with the business sector before he became Governor of Leyte, has already conducted studies and made preliminary talks with the right people, both from the government and from the private sector.

However, Governor Petilla said this plan will depend on the outcome of the commercial operations in the Visayas of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) this coming September 26.

Through WESM, which will be operated by Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC), power can be bought through bidding to the highest buyer.