MANILA: Steps are being taken to ensure continuous power supply as well as affordable electricity cost amid warnings of looming rotating blackouts in the summer months raised by the Manila Electric Co (Meralco).
Malacañang gave the assurance yesterday as it bared efforts by the government to mediate between Meralco and generating companies as they try to reach a consensus on how power costs can be shared.
“While the Supreme Court temporary restraining order (TRO) is pending and to ensure the continuity of service, the DOE (Department of Energy) has been in the process of mediating between Meralco and the power generators on a practicable solution as to how fuel costs will be shouldered between the parties and to reconcile their accounts depending on the final outcome of the case,” Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla said in a text message sent to reporters through presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.
On Thursday, Meralco said the high court’s freeze order on its planned power rate hike would disrupt the overall power supply chain and result in rotating blackouts in the summer months.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr also assured the public of government efforts to ensure efficient service to power consumers.
The Philippine Star
