The Department of Energy (DOE) would need to review the power outlook for 2023 due to the volatility of the gas market, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said.
In a Senate Committee on Energy hearing, Lotilla said that the DOE is reviewing the power outlook due to the loss of fuel source for the Ilijan gas-fired power plant.
The Ilijan plant sourced its gas supply from the Malampaya gas field, prior to the conclusion of its gas supply and purchase agreement with the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) in June.
The Malampaya gas field is seen to be completely depleted by the first quarter of 2027.
Lotilla said in a BusinessWorld report that the country is exposed to the volatility of fuel prices, adding that there are also issues involving generation, transmission, and distribution.
Senate energy committee chair Sen. Raffy Tulfo called for a hearing to address the recurring power outages in Mindoro. Currently, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro suffer up to 14 hours a day.
Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association Inc. executive director and general manager Janeene Colingan said that there is more than one player in the energy supply chain, stating that it is not only the electric cooperatives causing power interruption but also the generation and transmission sectors.
Lotilla said that he has tasked Energy ASec Mario Marasigan to organize a response with the involved agencies.