‘Costly’ power in Cebu tagged to use of coal

CEBU, Philippines — For some environmental and consumer groups, the use and financing of coal-fired power plants is the reason why electricity in Cebu remains “expensive.”

In a protest at the Cebu City Pier 3 area on Saturday, they aired their gripe over the power plants’ continued dependence on coal because, according to them, it is the culprit for the costly rate of power in the province.

The protest began with a one-hour community discussion on the power and coal situation in Cebu, followed by a symbolic procession to depict the plight of electricity consumers.

“Banks that have been funding coal should put their foot down and stop contributing to consumers’ burdens,” said Gerey Arances, head of the Power for People Coalition.

Teodorico Navea, Cebu coordinator of the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, said that the effects of coal-fired power plants in human and environmental health have long been established.

Navea said this kind of power plants emits greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and in turn contribute to the emergence or transmission of infectious diseases like COVID-19.

“We have been sourcing majority of our energy requirements from coal because it was said to be cheaper than any other sources. And yet, most of areas in the Philippines such as Cebu still suffer from high cost of electricity,” Navea said.

Remegio Javier, president of Pier Tres United Ambulant Vendors Association, said that Cebu consumers bear the brunt of the high cost of electricity brought about by “the operations of dirty, costly and deadly energy projects.”

“Such reality will continue to effect burden to the poor and the marginalized sectors of the Philippine society,” said Javier. — JMD (FREEMAN)