The Department of Energy (DOE) is accelerating the completion of approximately 1,471 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy (RE) and energy storage projects, aiming to bring them online by April as part of efforts to secure an adequate power supply amid ongoing concerns over oil availability.

In an online briefing Monday night, DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said the agency is closely coordinating with developers to expedite the completion of 22 RE projects.

Of the total RE projects, 12 are solar, six are hydroelectric, two are biomass facilities, one is a wind project, and another covers a 120-MW renewable energy storage system.

“These projects will also avoid or minimize any increase or spike in the electricity rates,” Garin said.

Garin explained that while only about 3 percent of the country’s domestic power generation relies directly on diesel, other energy sources such as coal, natural gas, and RE depend on diesel for transportation and logistics.

She said the urgency of completing RE projects is to help cushion the impact of potential fuel cost increases.

“Para kahit tumaas man ‘yung iba, kahit hindi natin magamit ‘yung ibang power natin dahil sobrang mahal, or iwasan natin para hindi umakyat ang presyo, we’re pushing for more reliable renewable energy na pumasok na siya within April (Even if other electricity sources become more expensive or unusable, we can avoid rate increases by ensuring more reliable renewable energy comes online by April.),” Garin said.

The energy chief added that developers and industry stakeholders have been proactive in helping address the current situation for the benefit of consumers.

The assurance comes as the government anticipates the delivery of around 900,000 barrels of diesel by next month—fuel that makes up a substantial share of the country’s consumption, particularly in the transportation sector.

Garin said the immediate importation of diesel and crude products is primarily aimed at boosting domestic supply, though future shipments may be geared toward addressing price spikes.

“As of right now, our primary objective with oil is to make sure that our oil companies have supply. As a measure of price control, not yet. We’re still formulating what the government can do. We will report that once it’s ready,” she added. (PNA)