Leyretana said Southern Mindanao relies most of its power on hydroelectric power plants in Iligan City, and with the growing economy, he said the region needs an additional 100 megawatts in 2008 alone.
"More dams and power plants are needed," he said.
During the economic briefing held earlier this month with the economic team of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported that the five hydro capacities of the Maria Cristina Falls are not being fully tapped as only two hydro plants are operating.
"Transco (National Transmission Corporation) has been working on it," Leyretana said.
However, it might take another three years before the other three can be tapped, he added.
Leyretana, however, is confident that the P2-billion transmission line project of Transco will help stabilize the power supply in Southern Mindanao.
