The Department of Energy will push through with the launch of Mindanao’s own Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) next month to assure reliable power supply.
This is amid the declaration of Martial law in the island due to the armed conflict in Marawi City.
DOE Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella said that they have already conducted consultations on the launch of WESM in Mindanao through trial operations.
However, “the real commercial operations will depend on the readiness criteria of the industry players here in Mindanao,” Fuentebella said.
He added that the implementation of WESM Mindanao will determine compatibility among potential energy matters.
“The spot market is where the demand and the supply of electricity meet so that there will be an increased efficiency in the use of energy. Fairness and transparency. That is the bedrock of the rules to have a level playing field for the good energy participants to shine,” the DOE official added.
The spot market is also set to bring more flexibility, progress and will enhance the power of choice for customers, he added.
WESM Mindanao is a high priority agenda of DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi, as stated in Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001.
Cusi has been leading the agency’s activities in Mindanao since January to meet the targeted launch of June 26, 2017.
