DOE Warns Public on Using LPG-refilled Butane Canisters

Wazup Pilipinas!

Due to a number of reported incidents, the Department of Energy (DOE) warns the general public on the dangers of using “LPG-refilled butane canisters” for household consumption. Butane canisters are used only on a “one time” basis and must never be refilled with LPG, which has a higher pressure than butane, and thus may cause accidents (i.e., explosion, fire, etc.) while in use.

The DOE emphasized that these butane canisters are not intended and designed to be refilled, more so with LPG. Based on existing Philippine National Standards for gas containers, only “welded steel cylinders” are designed for storage, transport and distribution of LPG for domestic consumption.

The DOE would also like to reiterate Department Circular DC2014-01-0001 which outlines the rules and regulations governing the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Industry, especially the sets of standards for compliance of all LPG Industry participants (i.e., refiners, importers, refillers, marketers, and even haulers). The circular also stated that illegal or “backyard refilling” of butane canisters is also strictly prohibited under the DOE rules and regulations, as its unsafe operations and substandard facilities posed danger not only within the area but also on its immediate vicinity.

DOE Reactivates Power Industry Task Force for 2016 Elections

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Cognizant of the government’s aim to hold a successful election, the Department of Energy (DOE) once again reactivates the Power Task Force for Election 2016 under DOE Department Circular DC2016-01-0001.

The Task Force, which was formed in 2010, is in compliance with the Commission on Elections Resolution No. 10023 deputizing the DOE, National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Power Corporation (NPC), National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the local electric cooperatives to ensure that there is adequate, stable and reliable power supply before, during and after the national and local elections in the country which will happen on May 9, 2016.

The DC particularly outlines specific duties and responsibilities of concerned national government agencies and power stakeholders, such as, ensuring availability and operation of power plants and electricity market, carrying out strategic preventive maintenance of all power facilities, and providing enough technical manpower for emergency response and security of vital power infrastructures, among others.

The Power Task Force Core Group is composed of the DOE as head and NEA, NGCP, NPC, National Transmission Corporation, Power Sector Assets & Liabilities Management Corporation, Philippine Electricity Market Corporation and Manila Electric Company as members.

DOTC Seals Deal With Busan Group For MRT-3 Maintenance

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has signed the three (3)-year maintenance contract for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system with the Joint Venture (JV) of Busan Transportation Corporation, Edison Development & Construction, Tramat Mercantile, Inc., TMICorp Inc., and Castan Corporation yesterday.

“We are one step closer to having a safer and more reliable MRT-3 system with our new world-class rail maintenance service provider. With the operator of the Busan railway network in South Korea sharing their technical expertise, the riding public can expect an increase in the number of running trains and the efficiency of operations,” said DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya.

The Busan JV will undertake maintenance works of the rolling stock and signaling system, the most critical maintenance discipline, starting today. Twelve (12) qualified technical experts, including rolling stock, signaling, and track specialists, from Busan are already carrying out the necessary activities for transition and system assessment.

Busan has been operating and maintaining the Busan Metro, four (4) railway lines of the mass transit system in Busan, South Korea since 1999, demonstrating their capacity to manage the maintenance works and facility upgrades as stated in the contract.