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In meetings with Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, the provincial government and locals of Sorsogon air gripes about high electricity rates despite geothermal plants and other energy projects being located in their province
SORSOGON CITY, Philippines – First Gen Corporation’s Energy Development Corporation (EDC) inaugurated its 22-megawatt Tanawon geothermal plant, part of the Bacon-Manito (Bacman) geothermal complex in Sorsogon City, on Friday, August 1.
The P7-billion facility is projected to generate a net annual output of 159,000 megawatt-hour (MWh) and help the country’s renewable energy goals while providing job opportunities and a development fund for the local community.
“The inauguration of our Tanawon geothermal plant is a win for the country’s energy security and climate resilience journey,” said EDC president and chief operating officer Jerome Cainglet. “We dedicate it to our communities, government partners, and everyone committed to a decarbonized and regenerative future.”
Cainglet said the plant has been supplying power to the national grid since its synchronization in February. They said that the facility can provide clean, reliable, 24/7 electricity, which is expected to help avoid over 38,312 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually.
“The recognition of our Tanawon geothermal power plant as an energy project of national significance was key to its success,” he said. “This project is our additional contribution to the country’s much-needed baseload renewable energy, which is in line with the government’s goal of achieving energy security, climate resilience, and a low-carbon future. Tanawon will help our country reduce its carbon footprint by more than 30,000 tons per year.”
EDC is the renewable energy subsidiary of First Gen Corporation, which is owned by the Lopez Group. EDC’s geothermal portfolio has an installed capacity of over 1,000 MW, accounting for 56% of the country’s total geothermal capacity. The Philippines is the world’s third-largest geothermal power producer.
Energy grievances
Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Sharon Garin shared that prior to the inauguration, their team visited the provincial government and locals of Sorsogon, who complained about high electricity rates despite the energy source being located in their province.
Garin said, “While I wasn’t able to visit in person because of my schedule, our team met with all stakeholders prior to this event and explained the projects here in Sorsogon. We told them that there are groups who plan to build offshore wind, solar, and geothermal plants. During the discussions, the Sorsogonons asked us, ‘What’s in it for us?’ They complained that despite hosting these power plants, electricity costs are still expensive, and some areas experience power outages.”
In response, Garin promised that the DOE has heard these concerns and is working to ensure Sorsogon benefits from hosting EDC and its power plants.
“We are changing our policies because we have heard the concerns. We are working hard to provide actions to the requests of the people from Sorsogon. Hopefully, we could come up with something that can improve the relationship between not only EDC, but also the power plant and the people who see it,” Garin said.
EDC highlighted the support of Sorsogon’s host communities and local government for its geothermal energy projects. They said the Tanawon project was a result of “perseverance and slow project collaboration, along with the leadership of the Department of Energy.”
Cainglet specifically thanked the local leaders and people of Sorsogon, affirming, “Tanawon wouldn’t be possible without the support of our stakeholders.”
Sorsogon City Mayor Ester Hamor also thanked EDC for its support of local economic development and for providing livelihood opportunities. She said the local government recognizes EDC’s role in the city’s economy and looks forward to working with the company on future projects.
“On behalf of the people of Sorsogon City, thank you for your contribution to the lives and livelihoods of the Sorsoganons and for uplifting the economy of Sorsogon. We look forward to working with you on many more projects,” Hamor said.
In 2021, EDC provided Albay and Sorsogon with ₱29.1 million in financial benefits for COVID-19 relief, local development and livelihood projects, and environmental programs as part of their social obligation to their plants’ host and nearby communities. – Rappler.com
