THE “menial installation targets” set by the National Renewable Energy Board (NREB) and the Department of Energy (DOE) for solar-power plants has prompted Rep. Teddy Casiño of Bayan Muna to call for an inquiry. NREB and the DOE have earlier set a cap on installation of solar-power plants to only 50 megawatts (MW).

While the feed-in tariff (FIT) pending with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for solar-power plant amounts to P17.95 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), Casiño said the rate impact when divided among consumers will only translate to an additional P0.028 per kWh on monthly billings.

Casiño said the government should remain open for discussions, facts, figures and simulations from all stakeholders to make an informed decision on FIT. “It is a legitimate concern, but we have not yet explored the full range of assumptions from industry players and consumers.” He charged that “onerous contracts” between the government and independent power producers and stranded debts of the National Power Corp. shouldered by power consumers are the main culprits behind high electricity rates in the country. “If the government solves these issues, the price of FIT will hardly be felt,” he pointed out.

The militant congressman said he is advocating for the development of local solar technology, citing the abundance solar power in the country, and because solar-powered energy is the fastest source of electricity to deploy, especially among areas isolated from power grids.