DOE, Peza ink MOU to cut power cost in ecozones

By Lenie Lectura – February 19, 2017

from Business Mirror

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (Peza) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at reducing the power cost in ecozones to attract more investors.

Representatives from the two government agencies signed the MOU for the accelerated development of regional economic zones, or ecozones, with the assurance of a reliable and reasonably priced supply of electricity, the DOE said.

“The MOU is an initiative consistent with the long-term economic vision of President Duterte known as ‘Ambisyon 2040’ and complements his 10-point socioeconomic agenda.

“Energy policies will be developed to facilitate the reduction of the cost of doing business in the country, including the ecozones,” Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.

Cusi also stressed the importance of policies that would streamline processes for securing permits for energy projects to ensure the stable and reliable supply of energy in ecozones.

“Energy-efficiency programs, like the adoption of the Energy Management Systems [ISO 50001], will be given importance to help the locator companies to be more efficient in their use of energy resources. This will result in lower power costs to sustain the companies’ competitiveness, while also encouraging the establishment of more energy-efficient ecozones in the country,” Cusi said.

“With the MOU in place, the country can expect the flow of critical investment, which in the long run creates more job opportunities and spur rural development,” he added.

The MOU was signed by Energy Undersecretary Benito Ranque and Peza Director General Charito Plaza.