Energy experts, DOE to discuss future-proofing the Philippine energy market in Aug. 24 press briefing

CONTACT: AC Dimatatac, ICSC Media Coordinator: +63 998 5469788, media@icsc.ngo

WHAT: Online press briefing on the current status of the Philippine energy transition and future-proofing the energy market amid the COVID-19 crisis, in line with the opinion piece published in BusinessMirror last August 15, authored by Sara Jane Ahmed and Alberto Dalusung III

WHEN AND WHERE: Monday, 24 August, 10AM via Facebook Live facebook.com/icsc.ngo

WHO: Energy experts, composed specifically of the op-ed authors and the Department of Energy

• Sara Jane Ahmed, Energy Finance Analyst, Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
• Alberto Dalusung III, Energy Transition Advisor, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC)
• Felix William Fuentebella, Undersecretary, Department of Energy (TBC)
• Renato Redentor Constantino, Executive Director, ICSC (moderator)

WHY:

In this press briefing, authors Sara Jane Ahmed and Alberto Dalusung III will discuss future-proofing the Philippine energy market –and the ways in which different actors in the power sector are meeting challenges brought about by the pandemic, global energy market trends, and the goal of establishing real competition in the Philippine power sector. They will highlight both the barriers to as well as the efforts and strategies developed and deployed by government and companies such as Meralco that have prioritized the interests of households and industries. Undersecretary Felix WIlliam B. Fuentebella will provide insights into the thinking behind DOE initiatives to modernize the country’s power sector amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and towards meeting the public demand for affordable, secure and sustainable energy in the long term.

The speakers will also cover steps under consideration or which have already been taken to protect consumers from fuel price and foreign exchange volatility and external shocks that have highlighted force majeure provisions in power supply contracts. More specifically, the event will discuss rapidly developing power sector opportunities and risks faced by banks and investors given the policy directions government is pursuing, as well as limits posed by over-reliance on inflexible baseload generation technologies.

Program