The National Electrification Administration (NEA) announced its plans and programs that will drive the country toward achieving sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

At the recently concluded NEA Strategic Thinking Conference-Workshop in Pampanga, NEA Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda vowed to attain 100-percent electrification in the country by 2028.

"Challenge accepted. By 2028, 100 percent electrification. Double time tayo. My administration will always be anchored in the principle of good governance. I will make sure that the Sitio Electrification Program funds are utilized well," the NEA Chief declared on the first day of the conference last 26 January 2023.

Energy Assistant Secretary and NEA Board of Administrators (BOA) Alternate Chairman Mario Marasigan graced the event and assured NEA and the electric cooperatives (ECs) of DOE's further guidance in achieving total electrification.

"We hope that the NEA will take the lead, very actively in guiding our electric cooperatives to complete their local total electrification program because this is how we will break our targets in electrification. Definitely, the Department of Energy will provide guidance," Asec. Marasigan said.

Moreover, the NEA will help in the facilitation of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11646 or the Microgrid Systems Act, which aims to accelerate total electrification and ensure the provision of quality, reliable, and secure electricity service in unserved and underserved areas.

The agency will also be playing a very strategic role in addressing the power rate hikes. The Administrator will be firm in boosting embedded renewable energy supply among the electric cooperatives.

To cope with the ever-changing conditions of the industry, Administrator Almeda is prioritizing as well the restructuring of the agency. He will likewise intensify the capacity building of NEA and EC employees.

The three-day conference-workshop was also attended by the rural electrification partners of NEA such as the Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA), National Association of General Managers of Electric Cooperatives (NAGMEC), Central Luzon Electric Cooperatives Association (CLECA), Federation of Rural Electric Cooperatives in Region VIII (FRECOR 8), Central Visayas Electric Cooperatives Association (CEVECA) and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO). They have expressed their full support and cooperation to the agency.###