The Department of Energy (DOE) of the Philippines has reported that El Niño conditions are expected to have minimal impact on solar power generation, according to its latest simulations. However, officials have expressed concerns about electricity supply stability in the Visayas region, which depends significantly on power imports from Luzon and Mindanao.
DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said the department had assessed several possible energy supply scenarios, including a potential 60% decline in hydropower generation. The projections indicate that solar power installations are likely to remain largely unaffected despite changing weather conditions. The assessment suggests that solar energy could continue contributing to the country’s electricity supply during the El Niño period.
Despite the positive outlook for solar power, the Visayas region faces potential electricity shortages if extreme weather conditions affect generation in other parts of the country. The region receives a substantial portion of its electricity through transmission links from Luzon and Mindanao. Any reduction in available power from these regions could limit electricity transfers and increase the risk of localized supply disruptions.
To address these concerns, the DOE is examining measures to strengthen local electricity generation in the Visayas and reduce its dependence on power imports. The department is also monitoring biomass power plants in the region. Prolonged dry conditions could reduce agricultural production and limit the availability of crop residues and organic waste used as fuel for biomass facilities, potentially affecting their electricity output.
The government has urged power generation companies to complete scheduled maintenance activities before the expected peak impact of El Niño. The measure aims to ensure that generating facilities operate reliably when electricity demand increases and weather conditions place additional pressure on the power system.
Authorities are also reviewing emergency preparedness arrangements to protect essential services during possible power disruptions. These measures include ensuring backup electricity supplies for hospitals and healthcare facilities and checking the availability of portable diesel generator sets for emergency use.
Meanwhile, the DOE expects more than 250 megawatts of new battery energy storage systems (BESS) to become fully operational by December. The installations are expected to provide ancillary services, support grid operations and improve electricity supply stability. Battery storage can help balance fluctuations in electricity supply and demand, supporting the integration of renewable energy into the power system.
The department has also called on the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to accelerate the formal contracting of required reserve power capacity. Maintaining adequate reserves is considered important for responding to unexpected generation outages and sudden changes in electricity demand.
The government’s preparations reflect growing efforts to strengthen grid resilience against weather-related risks. While solar generation is expected to remain stable, ensuring sufficient local generation, reliable transmission and adequate backup capacity will be essential to maintaining electricity supply during El Niño.
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