Senator Win Gatchalian has called on the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to ensure electric cooperatives (EC) compliance with the Electric Cooperatives Emergency and Resiliency Fund (ECERF) law. The initiative aims to mitigate the adverse impact of natural disasters, such as typhoons, on the power supply.
Gatchalian, vice-chairperson of the Senate committee on energy, made the statement following the widespread devastation caused by tropical storm Kristine, which left many households without power. With Super Typhoon Leon now visiting the Philippines, Gatchalian expressed concern that power interruptions could affect even more communities.
“The goal of ECERF is not just to provide funds for restoration and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructures but to ensure that distribution utilities are resilient to withstand calamities,” Gatchalian said. The ECERF serves as a dedicated fund for ECs to expedite the restoration of electricity and infrastructure post-disaster, managed by the NEA.
As principal author of the ECERF law, Gatchalian emphasized that ECs are required to submit annual vulnerability and risk assessments (VRA), emergency response plans (ERP), mitigation plans (MP), and resiliency compliance plans to the NEA. They must also report on the implementation status of the mitigation projects identified in their VRAs and MPs.
Highlighting the country’s vulnerability to climate change and natural disasters, Gatchalian urged ECs to enhance their resilience strategies to prevent or minimize power interruptions during and after calamities. The NEA has requested a budget of P200 million for the implementation of the ECERF for the coming year.
On Wednesday, President Marcos also urged government agencies to prepare for the impacts of Super Typhoon Leon, as regions continue to recover from Kristine.
