San juan city: Experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Engineering are set to assess the viability of Siquijor Island Power Corporation's (SIPCOR) power plant as part of efforts to address the power situation in the province.

According to Philippines News Agency, National Electrification Administration (NEA) Administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda announced during a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussion that Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has approved the hiring of an independent third-party surveyor. This team will test and evaluate the power plant's viability, given the current challenges faced by the facility.

Almeda, speaking on the sidelines of the event, stated that a team from the UP College of Engineering would perform a technical assessment of the power plant. This decision comes in the wake of an inter-agency investigation revealing multiple issues with Siquijor's electricity supply. The investigation highlighted that the power plant's permit had expired, SIPCOR lacked the necessary 10-day minimum fuel inventory, several generation units were non-operational, and the facility did not have sufficient reserve generator sets.

In light of these concerns, Almeda emphasized the need for a third-party evaluation to determine if the plant can fulfill its obligations. He further noted that if the plant is unable to meet contractual provisions, the public welfare should take precedence over contractual obligations.

Energy officials have reported that Siquijor currently requires approximately 8 to 9 megawatts (MW) of power. However, the SIPCOR power plant is only generating around 5 MW due to numerous non-functional generator sets.