Think tank hits Meralco over coal

By Alena Mae S. Flores – March 22, 2018 at 06:40 pm
from manilastandard.net

The Center for Energy, Ecology and Development on Thursday criticized power retailer Manila Electric Co. for pushing power supply agreements with coal-fired power plant developers by using as an excuse the expected higher electricity demand during the dry months.

“Meralco and its affiliate coal companies have pushed for the approval and operation of their coal-fired power plants under the guise of protecting consumers from power outages,” Gerry Arances, executive director of CEED, said in a statement.

He said the agreements were being questioned especially its impact on the environment and possible increase in power rates.

The Office of the Ombudsman earlier ordered the suspension of four commissioners of the Energy Regulatory Commission over allegations of anomalous coal PSAs.

Arances said some wind and solar contracts became cheaper than coal. He said that under the seven coal PSAs of Meralco, the average rate of coal electricity was P3.65 per kWh.

Meralco recently received offers from wind and solar developers at a lower rate of P3.50 per kWh and P2.99 per kWh, respectively.