Gatchalian pushes hybrid power supply for off-grid areas

By Alena Mae S. Flores – February 2, 2024, 9:05 pm
from manilastandard.net

Photo from Senator Sherwin Gatchalian’s Official FB Page

SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Friday asked the government to fast-track the hybridization of off-grid areas to shield consumers from global oil price volatilities.

Hybridization means using hybrid technologies such as diesel with solar or other RE sources to provide power to far-flung areas.

“It’s important for the government to facilitate an accelerated hybridization of off-grid areas to enable small power utilities group [SPUG] to provide affordable electricity rates for the benefit of consumers,” Gatchalian said in a statement.

He made the call as the National Power Corp. (NPC) proposed another round of higher power rates in off-grid areas amid higher fuel costs.

Gatchalian said that while the NPC already committed to focusing on hybridization and veering away from buying new diesel generator sets, it is important to accelerate the hybridization of off-grid areas.

NPC earlier said hybridization is expected to result in savings ranging from P0.75 to P1 per kilowatt-hour.

Gatchalian said hybridization would help ensure a steady supply of energy in off-grid areas and wean the country from its dependence on imported fuel.

“Hybridization would help increase the volume of renewable energy and thus would help ensure energy efficiency and security, which are vital in jumpstarting economic development in these areas,” he said. NPC operates at least 281 mostly diesel-fired SPUG power plants across the country.