Power assured during elections

CEBU, Philippines — The Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) headed by the Department of Energy recently held its first preparatory meeting to ensure continuous and adequate energy supply for the mid-term elections this coming May 13.

DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said in a statement that an uninterrupted energy supply is pivotal to the integrity of the electoral process.

Cusi said that the entire energy family, in cooperation with all ETFE members, will be working 24/7 to help ensure a peaceful, orderly, honest and credible election.

DOE Undersecretary and ETFE Chairman Alexander Lopez led the discussions on coordination strategies as well as security and contingency planning to guarantee energy services before, during, and after the election period.

The ETFE has eight members; the National Electrification Administration, National Power Corp., National Transmission Corp., Philippine National Oil Company, Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp., Philippine Electricity Market Corp., National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, and the Manila Electric Company.

There are six other supporting organizations that are also onboard.

The task force will also work closely with the national security group composed of the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Cusi likewise assured the public that timely updates on generation, transmission, and distribution systems, as well as fuel supplies will be provided regularly. — BRP, (FREEMAN)