MANILA INPUT FOR THE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT

UNCLAS MANILA 000468

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EEB/ESC SGALLOGLY
STATE FOR OES GTHOMPSON
STATE FOR EAP/EX AGREENFIELD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG SENV APER ABUD RP

SUBJECT: MANILA INPUT FOR THE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE AND SECURITY ACT
REPORTS

REF: STATE 00010743


1. Following is our response to questions posed Reftel:

Question A: Embassy's Economic Section handles various policy
aspects of energy issues. ECON staff - 11.

Question B: Estimated Economic Section staff time dedicated to
energy- related activities:

ECON - Counselor - 20%; Deputy Counselor - 5%; one Officer - 30%;
one Locally Employed Staff - 20%; one OMS - 2%

Question C: Types of energy-related activities accomplished by
Economic Section:

Economic Counselor - Advocate for US interest in energy sector,
including assisting US companies in addressing regulatory issues
with the host government. Monitor privatization of government-owned
energy sector assets and write and edit cables regarding these
issues.

Deputy Counselor - Draft and edit reports to Washington and keep
abreast of energy news.

ESTH Officer - Monitor and report on the energy sector and
privatization of generation assets, work with Foreign Commercial
Service in advocating for U.S. companies, interact with all
stakeholders in the host country, and keep abreast of energy
legislation. Assist OES with invitations and follow-up to the
Washington renewable energy conference, attend and report on
Philippine conferences involving global warming, energy security,
and renewable energy. Work with other USG agencies on optimizing
agreements and interagency expertise on methane recovery from
coalbeds, agriculture, and landfills and using methane as a clean
energy source.

Economic Specialist (ESTH FSN) - Monitor and report on developments
and performance of the host country on energy issues with special
focus on renewable and alternative energy issues.

Question D: Estimate of budget for the State Department's Economic
Section:

Personnel: $52,400
Operating Cost: $10,000


2. We note that besides USAID and the Foreign Commercial Service
officers in Embassy Manila also contribute substantially to Embassy
energy-related efforts.


3. U.S. Commerical Service: The Commercial Section has one
locally-engaged Commercial Specialist engaged in trade promotion of
U.S. energy-related products and equipment who spends approximately
25% of his time on this industry sector. The Commercial Counselor
and Commercial Attache each spend approximately 5% of their time
working with U.S. companies in the energy sector.


4. USAID: USAID manages an energy program funded at $2-3 million
annually. The program supports USG conflict resolution, economic
growth, clean energy, and climate change objectives, focusing on
four results (1) improved energy sector planning, policy formulation
and increased public understanding and support for reforms; (2)
strengthened Energy Regulatory Commission as an independent and
credible regulator to foster competition, encourage private
investment and prevent anti-competitive behavior; (3)
electrification of off-grid communities in conflict-affected areas
of Mindanao using renewable energy; and (4) reduction of greenhouse
gases by improving policies and access to information and technology
that encourages the use of cleaner fuels and energy efficiency.
USAID's energy program portfolio currently consists of three major
projects: (1) Energy and Clean Air Project (with PA Consulting); (2)
Sustainable Energy Development Project (with the U.S. Department of
Energy); and (3) Alliance for Mindanao Off-Grid Renewable Energy
Project (with Winrock International). USAID's energy program is
managed by three locally engaged staff: an Energy Policy Advisor; a
Renewable Energy Specialist, and a Secretary. The U.S. Direct Hire
Office of Energy and Environment Chief and Deputy Chief spend 25%
and 50% of their time, respectively, managing the energy program.

KENNEY