Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed energy officials to immediately address power supply and grid issues in the Visayas and ensure the normalization of electricity conditions in the region at the soonest possible time. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro announced that this directive was issued during a meeting with executives of the Department of Energy (DOE), where power supply conditions in Luzon and the Visayas were discussed.
According to Philippines News Agency, the directive aims to fix or normalize the situation as quickly as possible. During the meeting, the President emphasized the need for concerned agencies to accelerate measures to strengthen the country's power infrastructure and ensure energy security. The discussions also included plans for constructing new power plants to increase electricity generation, expanding the transmission network, and implementing interventions to address delays in the construction of submarine cables and transmission lines.
The President instructed government agencies to closely monitor developments and respond quickly to any issues affecting electricity supply. Since mid-May, the Visayas grid has faced 17 yellow alerts and four red alerts due to more than 20 power plants being on forced outage, including major coal-fired units like Units 1 and 2 of Therma Visayas Inc., and Unit 3 of Panay Energy Development Corp.
Marcos also tasked the Energy Regulatory Commission with conducting a performance review of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to ensure the completion of its commitments and deliverables. The meeting also addressed the power situation in Catanduanes, including updates on power-related projects in the province.
Aside from addressing transmission concerns, the DOE reported ongoing efforts to improve the country's transmission system and accelerate the development of renewable energy projects. Castro noted that the DOE informed the President that, as of May 29, the Philippines has approximately 46 days' worth of fuel reserves, amid concerns over global energy market uncertainties.
