COMMENTARY | Strategies for powering progress: The Visayas energy imperative 

March 7, 2024 | 10:05am

MANILA, Philippines — In the heart of the Visayas, Cebu City stands as a symbol of economic growth and cultural heritage in the Philippines. Amid the blame game surrounding the recent power outages during the blackout on the Panay Islands, the energy situation in Cebu is becoming critical, as demand is expected to exceed supply by 1,400 megawatts (MW) in 2026, according to the Department of Energy (DOE) projections. 

As one of the country’s major urban centers, Cebu City’s demand for energy has surged, driven by a growing population, an expanding industrial sector, and a thriving tourism industry. Beneath its busy streets and growing economy lies the critical challenge of the urgent need for increased power generation capacity. 

The call from business chambers for more power supply to support economic recovery and population growth resonates more loudly after the region-wide power outage in Western Visayas, highlighting inefficiencies within the energy system. This outage disrupted lives and inflicted significant economic losses, estimated by Iloilo Mayor Jerry Treñas to range between P400 million to P500 million for his city alone. 

According to NGCP spokesperson Cynthia Alabanza, unresolved problems in the other three significant power plants that supply electricity to Panay could cause another rotational brownout after the major power outage on January 2. With this announcement from NGCP, the possibility of power interruptions across the islands sparked concern and frustration. The possibility of another power outage emphasizes the critical need for long-term solutions. 

With the looming threat of an energy crisis in Cebu City and the Visayas region, the call for increased inland power generation has become more urgent than ever. Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s recent push for Cebu to become power-self-sufficient is a pivotal initiative in the island’s quest for energy independence and reliability. 

The governor’s strategy involves inviting investments in baseload power plants within Cebu, a move that promises to strengthen the city’s energy infrastructure against future power disruptions. This proactive approach seeks not only to address the immediate threats posed by an inadequate power supply but also to lay the groundwork for sustained economic growth and tourism development. 

While the governor commended the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the national government for energizing the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), she reiterated the significance of Cebu Island being self-sufficient and reliable in terms of power. The MVIP contains a 184-circuit-kilometer (ckm) High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) submarine transmission line, linking Mindanao and Visayas grids. This line supports an initial transfer capacity of 450 megawatts (MW), which could potentially double to 900 MW. 

Time is running out for Cebu City and the Visayas region as it confronts its energy challenges. The energy family and regulatory bodies should strategically focus on increasing local power generation capacity, improving grid management and infrastructure, and diversifying the energy mix. 

Equally important is strengthening the regulatory oversight of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Department of Energy (DOE) in ensuring compliance, fostering competition and safeguarding consumer interests to achieve energy reliability in the Visayas. 

Drawing from Panay’s blackout experience, there is a pressing need for the nation to come together to ensure a more secure, reliable and progressive energy system. It can serve as an inspiration and driving force for nationwide action to establish a reliable and sustainable power grid. It is vital to learn from Metro Manila’s successful energy model and push for its implementation across the country. 

The recent data on growing energy demand points out an important gap in the existing power generation capacities, requiring immediate action to revitalize the Visayas energy system to prevent future power shortages that could hamper economic progress and diminish the quality of life for its residents.

Cebu’s goal of enhancing the city’s energy security highlights the critical need for reliable local power generation facilities to support its dynamic economy and expanding population. 

It’s time we move beyond finger-pointing and unite in a common goal to be a catalyst for national action and ensure the energy progress of Cebu City and the Visayas region. This commitment to swiftly implement critical energy strategies and sustainable solutions demonstrates our collective determination to foster a reliable and sustainable energy sector for all. 

It is a significant challenge, but with the collaboration of policymakers, the energy family, businesses and the community, it is within reach. 

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About the author: Nic Satur Jr. is an energy advocate championing energy literacy and consumer rights in the Philippines. A trainer, educator and consultant from the Ibaloi tribe in the Cordilleras, he dedicates himself to fostering economic growth, leadership development, energy literacy and the promotion of progressive energy solutions.

He spearheads a coalition of consumers focused on enhancing energy literacy by conducting research, organizing seminars and energy forums. His efforts are focused on protecting the rights of Filipino electric consumers, creating positive change and uniting all sectors of society. Through his energy literacy initiatives, Satur is at the forefront of advocating for affordable and reliable energy, ensuring that Filipino electric consumers, regulatory bodies and policymakers are well-informed about the actual situation in the grassroots community.

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