Senator hits energy third parties
A SENATOR raised concern on Monday over a proposal to involve third parties to speed up the establishment of delayed energy transmission projects, saying the move would tend to serve vested interests rather than improve energy security.
“Previous Senate investigations found no compelling reasons for third-party involvement, and the Executive’s proposition raises further questions,” Senator Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros-Baraquel said in a statement.
Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. ordered the Department of Energy (DoE) to look into allowing third parties to construct transmission projects to meet the country’s power generation needs.
Ms. Hontiveros-Baraquel said that third parties would only favor certain groups, noting that the government must prioritize public accountability for mishaps in delayed transmission projects.
“Failed privatization policy in our power grid combined with very weak regulation will be a regular challenge in achieving an affordable and continuous electricity supply for every Filipino household,” she said. “The private sector’s profit-first mentality delays public service, as they prioritize returns before fulfilling their service obligations.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez