DOE, QUEZELCO II to Deliver 24/7 Power to Quezon Village Through Hybrid Microgrid

The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with Quezon II Electric Cooperative, Inc. (QUEZELCO II), is set to provide round-the-clock electricity to Barangay Cabungalunan in Burdeos, Quezon Province through the development of a hybrid microgrid system. The initiative forms part of the government’s total electrification drive under Republic Act No. 11646, also known as the Microgrid Systems Act.

Funded under the DOE’s Locally Funded Project–Total Electrification Program (LFP-TEP) for Fiscal Year 2025, the project carries an Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) of approximately PhP 52 million. In its initial phase, the hybrid microgrid will provide 24/7 electricity access to at least 214 households, with built-in capacity for expansion over the next 20 years in line with the government’s long-term electrification roadmap.

The DOE said the project aligns with the directive of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to electrify remaining unserved and underserved areas nationwide. The Department is coordinating with stakeholders, including private sector proponents, to accelerate off-grid electrification through microgrids and other innovative energy solutions that support the country’s clean energy transition.

The hybrid system will integrate a 120-kilowatt solar photovoltaic (PV) installation, a 100-kilowatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), and two diesel generator sets with a minimum capacity of 50 kilowatts each. The system will be connected to a centralized distribution facility and designed for parallel operation, ensuring efficient performance even under partial load conditions.

Following a competitive procurement process, Trademaster Resources Corporation was awarded the contract to construct and install the microgrid. Implementation is scheduled over an 18-month period, with completion targeted by April 2027.

According to the DOE, the project will deliver a balanced energy mix that enhances system reliability while significantly reducing dependence on diesel fuel. The initiative supports the Department’s push toward cleaner, more resilient power solutions for off-grid communities.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the project demonstrates the operationalization of the Microgrid Systems Act through concrete infrastructure investments. She noted that while most microgrid areas will be offered to the private sector, the government will provide support in locations where commercial viability remains limited.

The DOE emphasized that the QUEZELCO II Hybrid Microgrid System is expected to spur socio-economic development in Barangay Cabungalunan by enabling productive electricity use, improving access to essential services, and strengthening local livelihoods. The project forms part of the Department’s broader mandate to achieve total electrification, enhance energy security, and ensure inclusive participation in the country’s energy transition.