• CHERYL G. CRUZ
With just one week remaining before the May 12 midterm elections, the Department of Energy ensured full readiness for a stable and reliable power supply and adequate fuel availability nationwide.
The DOE has also ordered the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Electrification Administration, and electric cooperatives to immediately remove obstructions from power infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted electricity.
These include illegally-posted campaign materials in electric posts, and other unauthorized installations that pose risks to public safety and power reliability.
“The delivery of stable and reliable electricity is a national priority, especially during elections when the democratic process relies heavily on uninterrupted power,” Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said in a statement May 5.
“We are resolute in our mandate to safeguard energy infrastructure and are working closely with the Commission on Elections and energy stakeholders to ensure that the power sector infrastructure remains clear of any obstructions, especially those that endanger lives and disrupt essential services,” he added.
The Energy Task Force Election (ETFE) also committed to supporting the safe, orderly, and uninterrupted conduct of the elections by safeguarding the integrity of energy services throughout the voting, transmission, and canvassing periods.
Public and private energy providers conducted rigorous inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure, including pre-election checks of polling and canvassing centers, particularly the critical areas identified by the Comelec.
Distribution utilities also carried out line maintenance activities to ensure continuous power supply.
Negros Power earlier said it conducted massive rehabilitation and preventive maintenance activities in its distribution network to ensure uninterrupted and stable power supply for the May 12 national and local elections.
Engr. Oscar Duca, Negros Power area office assistant manager, had said the intensive maintenance work “is crucial in preventing unexpected power interruptions. We are committed to delivering seamless service and taking proactive steps to reinforce our network’s reliability. Our goal is to ensure that when voters head to the polls on May 12, they can do so with full confidence that power disruptions will not interfere with the election process.” | CGC
