Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the Department of Energy (DOE) to explain the delay in submitting a new energy roadmap to Congress.
In a statement, Gatchalian said that the DOE was supposed to submit to Congress the updated energy roadmap by September 15, as mandated under the Republic Act 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
“Hindi katanggap-tanggap na naantala na nang husto ang pinakahuling Energy Plan na napakaimportanteng dokumento para maisulong nang husto ang sapat at malinis na suplay ng enerhiya sa bansa,” Gatchalian said in a statement.
The Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) is an extensive roadmap that aims to ensure effective, stable, and sustainable energy. Its goal is to increase the renewable energy capacity in the energy mix to 35% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
Hence, its submission is crucial in securing an ample supply of energy as the department is already more than three months overdue.
“The Philippine Energy Plan will be the foundation for achieving cleaner energy, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the well-being of our people,” said Gatchalian.
In a report by the Manila Standard, Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella of the DOE stated that they intended to submit their strategy in February and are in the process of involving the smart grid and green energy in the plan.
The undersecretary further stated that the department was updating the PEP’s biofuel component following the government’s decision to raise its necessary blend.
