Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi wants the country’s energy plans to be recalibrated to ensure the sector continues to be responsive and effective in the country’s quest for sustained energy security.
“Energy is vital to support the country’s economic recovery and development especially during this time of the pandemic,” Cusi told the Department of Energy executives and other attendees of a recent workshop on updating the short-term energy outlook and other energy-related studies held last week.
“With emerging trends and challenges, we need to recalibrate our plans to bounce back faster and to continue to bring accessible, reliable and affordable energy services,” he said.
The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the energy sector to make adjustments to ensure the continuity of energy services. The DOE was also able to implement landmark energy laws and issue the necessary policies on energy efficiency, renewable energy, the promotion of indigenous resources and the coal moratorium.
Cusi said a recent assessment of the country’s energy requirements showed the need for the country to shift to a more flexible power supply mix. This would help build a more sustainable power system that would be resilient in the face of structural changes in demand and would be flexible enough to accommodate the entry of new, cleaner, and indigenous technological innovations.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting lull in the economy has presented the Department of Energy with an unprecedented opportunity to future proof the country’s energy services and power supply mix so we are ready for whatever comes next after these series of seemingly never ending lockdowns and quarantines.
The energy sector can continue to improve and be more efficient despite the pandemic. A country like the Philippines that has struggled mightily against Covid-19 will need all the advantages it can develop until we are finally ready to join the rest of the world on the path to recovery and progress.*
