DOE tags 4 power projects ‘EPNS;’ sets Dec. 20 deadline

THE Department of Energy (DOE) has placed four power projects in the category of Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS) in accordance with Executive Order 30 (EO 30).

The four projects are Galoc Field Area and Development of Galoc Production Co.; Mahanagdong Geothermal Brine Optimization Plant of Energy Development Corp. (EDC); TMI Hybrid DBS BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) project of Therma Marine Inc.; and Mount Malinao Geothermal project of Philippine Geothermal Inc.

The EPNS certificates were issued August to September this year.

EPNS are significant energy projects for power generation, transmission, and/or ancillary services, including those required to maintain grid stability and security, and which are in consonance with the policy thrusts and specific goals of the DOE’s Philippine Energy Plan (PEP).

The issuance of EPNS certificates is stipulated under EO 30, which states that concerned government agencies shall act upon applications for permits within 30 day. If no decision is made by then, the application is deemed approved by the concerned agency.

As of August 9, the DOE has received 368 EPNS applications. Of these, 297 were accepted while 71 did not comply with the necessary requirements. Of the 297, accepted applications, 140 were certified as CEPNS while 157 applications are still under evaluation.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi, meanwhile, wants all pending applications filed before his office to be acted upon on or before December 20 this year.

“One of the profound changes being effected under President Duterte’s leadership is the eradication of bureaucratic red tape. We, at the DOE, have been striving to help fully realize this vision by streamlining our processes, most especially those involving the service or operating contracts,” said Cusi.

The energy chief reminded DOE officials to effectively implement Department Circular 2019-07-0018, providing a streamlined process for the awarding and administration of service/operating contracts, as well as the issuance of permits, endorsements, or
certifications for energy projects.

He said energy officials must ensure that all pending items relative thereto are acted upon on or before December 20, 2019.

In his memorandum, Cusi also instructed all undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, and concerned bureau directors to submit an inventory of all pending applications for service/operating contracts, including their dates of application, status, and actions taken; and status reports on all existing service contracts.

“We are undertaking all measures that would maximize our operational efficiency. These inventories would guide us in making sure that all pending action items are acted upon before 2019 comes to a close,” Cusi said.