DOE to increase Mindanao electrification

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Energy is doubling its efforts to increase household electrification in Mindanao as it lags behind Luzon and Visayas which are almost fully-energized.

In a speech to the officers and members of the Rotary Club of Cubao, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said the department is prioritizing its aim for total household electrification by the end of President Duterte’s term in 2022.  

“As of December last year, we stood at 90.65 percent level,” Cusi said.

Cusi noted that Luzon and Visayas are almost fully energized as it reaches 95.5 -and 94-percent electrification levels, respectively.

“In Mindanao, we are doubling our efforts to increase its current 74 percent energization status. We are aggressive in working our way up to achieve our desired 100 percent mark,” Cusi said.

Last week, the National Economic and Development Authority and the Japan International Cooperation Agency) signed a P340 million grant which will fund the “Project for Improvement of Equipment for Power Distribution in Bangsamoro.”

The project aims to upgrade the power distribution equipment of six electric cooperatives (ECs) in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

Cusi said the DOE’s full electrification target is part of its Philippine Energy Plan, which is firmly attuned to the administration’s Ambisyon 2040 vision, a long-term goal towards inclusive growth.

The energy secretary expressed his optimism for achieving full electrification in 2020, as the department’s household electrification program partners continuously to facilitate the provision of electricity service to the identified areas with remaining unenergized households.