With the increasing number and intensity of calamities locally and globally, Energy Sec. Alfonso Cusi urged the Heads of ASEAN Power Utilities/Authorities (HAPUA) to integrate emergency preparedness and resiliency components into the building of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Power Grid.
“I would like to urge HAPUA to take bolder steps and incorporate preparedness and resiliency components into the ASEAN Power Grid. In addition to interconnectivity, we must also ensure that energy systems are able to withstand and bounce back quickly from the impact of disasters,” Cusi said during the 38th ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting (AMEM).
He then called on HAPUA member countries to share their best practices in policies and regulations, emerging programs and projects, and enhanced institutional arrangements.
“We must not allow ourselves to become paralyzed in the face of adversities. I am confident that should we choose to put our heads together and establish sound contingency protocols, our region’s power sector would come out even stronger than before,” Cusi stressed.
