A think tank encourages the Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize energy security in the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) that will be submitted to Congress.

In a report by the Business World, think tank Minimal Government Thinkers emphasized the need for a unified focus on energy security across power generation, transmission, distribution, and supply.

Earlier, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian questioned the delays in the DOE’s updated energy roadmap submission, which was initially expected by September 15. 

The PEP will map out the country’s energy objectives from 2023 to 2050, in compliance with the Electric Power Industry Reform Act’s (EPIRA) mandate for an annually updated energy roadmap submission to Congress.

Minimal Government Thinkers president Bienvenido S. Oplas stressed the importa

nce of ensuring sufficient power supply to reduce potential blackouts, especially with the recent power outages in Panay.

Furthermore, Oplas suggested that the energy department consider power

price fluctuations, surges, as well as dips, stressing that the department should remain impartial regarding the energy source.

Meanwhile, DOE Director Mi

chael O. Sinocruz disclosed that the department is finalizing the National Strategic Transmission Plan and concluding the consultation process before presenting the energy roadmap by the end of January.

The plan would include a smart and green grid initiative to enhance power transmission efficiency, accommodating a higher share of renewable energy sources.