Department Of Energy Strengthens Grid Support As Visayas Faces Power Supply Shortfall In The Philippines

The Department of Energy (DOE) has assured the public that the overall power supply situation in the Philippines remains stable despite ongoing supply challenges in the Visayas region. According to Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan, both Luzon and Mindanao grids continue to operate normally, while immediate measures are being implemented to address the power shortage in the Visayas.

The Luzon grid currently maintains a healthy reserve of more than 2,000 megawatts, providing a stable electricity supply for consumers. However, the region has experienced reduced hydropower generation due to below-normal water levels, with hydroelectric plants operating at less than 70 percent of their capacity. In addition, several major power plants faced unexpected outages. Despite these challenges, most of the affected facilities are expected to return to operation soon. The recent addition of a new solar power project has also strengthened the grid by contributing 200 megawatts of capacity. Furthermore, the restoration of key transmission lines has enabled Luzon to export up to 250 megawatts of electricity to support the Visayas grid.

The Visayas region remains the main concern for the energy sector. Electricity demand in the area has exceeded 2,700 megawatts, while available supply has fallen significantly due to outages affecting four large power generation units. One of the affected units is expected to resume operations this week, but the remaining facilities are not anticipated to return until July and August. To help address the shortage, Mindanao is maximizing its interconnection capacity and supplying 450 megawatts of excess power to the Visayas. The DOE has also directed the grid operator to secure at least 150 megawatts of additional reserve capacity. Other temporary measures include the deployment of power barges, the use of modular diesel generators, and the testing of a new 30-megawatt battery energy storage facility in Cebu.

Meanwhile, the Mindanao grid remains in a strong position, with sufficient surplus power to meet local demand and provide assistance to the Visayas region. The government is also monitoring the power situation in Catanduanes Province, where rotational brownouts continue to affect residents. Authorities are working closely with stakeholders to fully restore electricity services within the next 11 days.

For long-term energy security, the government is accelerating infrastructure development through Task Force 200. The program has already completed 36 projects that added more than 1,500 megawatts of capacity to the national grid. Another 16 priority projects are currently undergoing final testing and are expected to contribute an additional 918 megawatts once regulatory approvals are secured. The DOE reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a reliable and secure power supply across the country while addressing current regional challenges.