DOE: Major power grids back to normal

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) announced that all major power grids in the country are now operating under normal conditions following the restoration of additional generating capacity in the Visayas.

During a virtual press conference yesterday, DOE Undersecretary Mario Marasigan said the Luzon grid is operating normally, with a power demand of 16,623 megawatts (MW) being sufficiently met by available supply.

He added that the Visayas grid has also stabilized following the successful synchronization of Panay Energy Development Corporation (PEDC) Unit 3, which added 150 MW to the system.

Marasigan said PEDC Unit 3 initially attempted to synchronize with the grid on Wednesday morning but encountered minor technical issues. The plant was successfully synchronized at around 2:37 p.m. that same day and gradually increased its output.

Since the following day, the Visayas grid has not experienced any yellow alerts, indicating that generation and supply have returned to normal levels.

Despite the improvement, the DOE continues to prepare for rising electricity demand driven by economic growth and seasonal factors.

Marasigan said the department is giving special attention to the Visayas by working with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and at least four private proponents to deploy alternative and clean energy technologies that can provide immediate support during periods of tight supply.

The DOE is planning backup power systems in Cebu, Panay, and Negros, with a target of adding 270 MW of reserve capacity. He said at least half of the planned capacity is expected to be installed at the earliest possible time.

The agency is also evaluating Bohol as a potential site for additional generating capacity to strengthen the region’s power supply.

Marasigan explained that the DOE’s objective is not only to increase generation capacity but also to improve the stability and reliability of each island’s power system.

DOE Secretary Sharon Garin said that the latest development in the Visayas grid ended nearly two months of recurring supply warnings that began in May and significantly improved the region’s operating reserves, lowering the risk of rotating brownouts.

“This is encouraging news for households, businesses, and industries across the Visayas and is a result of continuous coordination between the DOE and our energy partners,” Garin said.

She added that the DOE continues to coordinate the restoration of other major power plants to further strengthen the Visayas power supply.

Among the plants still undergoing scheduled maintenance are Therma Visayas Units 1 and 2, each capable of generating 169 MW, as well as Kepco SPC Unit 1 in Cebu. The two Therma Visayas units are expected to resume operations by the end of August 2026.

Despite these outages, Garin said the Visayas continues to receive around 700 MW of imported electricity from Luzon and Mindanao through the interconnection of the country’s major grids.

With PEDC Unit 3 back online, dependable capacity in the Visayas, including imported power, now stands at 2,502 MW during daytime operations and 2,483 MW during the evening peak.

Garin emphasized that while the restoration provides immediate relief, ensuring long-term energy security requires continuous preparation and investment.

She noted that every megawatt restored benefits Filipino families, students, workers, and businesses that rely on a stable electricity supply.

The DOE, she said, remains committed to increasing renewable energy generation while supporting investments in transmission facilities and other critical infrastructure to build a cleaner, stronger, and more resilient power system.

“Our goal is not only to address today’s supply requirements but also to build a cleaner, stronger, and more resilient energy future,” Garin said. — (FREEMAN)