A YEAR AGO, January 2024, the blackout that plunged Panay Island into darkness was a wake-up call for the region’s energy sector, and specifically for Iloilo City that continues its meteoric rise as a hub for commerce and investment. The demand for stable and reliable power has never been more critical yet recent reports of project delays by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) suggest that lessons from the past may not have been fully heeded.
NGCP issued an assurance during a recent congressional hearing that measures are in place to prevent a repeat of the January 2024 blackout this new year. However, the skepticism expressed by MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power) regarding the delayed commissioning of NGCP’s 3×100 MegaVolt Ampere substation in Iloilo City raises valid concerns. The substation, initially promised for completion by the end of 2025, is now set to finish only 1×100 MVA by mid-2025. Such delays are alarming, especially when viewed against the backdrop of 162 unscheduled power interruptions in 2024 alone, totaling 811 hours of outages.
Unreliable power has economic ramifications. Businesses suffer losses, investments are stalled, and consumers bear the brunt of frequent outages. With Iloilo’s energy demand growing at a staggering 13% annually, NGCP must prioritize the timely completion of its infrastructure projects. This is a necessity for sustaining Iloilo’s growth trajectory and competitiveness.
Equally concerning is the lack of sufficient ancillary reserves for Panay Island. While NGCP asserts that it has met the requirements for ancillary services through the Competitive Selection Process, the call for stronger contingency measures remains valid. Iloilo City — and the whole of Panay Island for that matter – cannot afford another blackout, especially with the looming challenges of the La Niña phenomenon this 2025.
NGCP must not only catch up with the current needs but also anticipate future demands. The delay attributed to access issues with the substation site is a reminder of the importance of proactive planning and stakeholder collaboration to avoid such setbacks.
We urge NGCP to expedite the completion of the 3×100 MVA substation and enhance its contingency plans to ensure uninterrupted power supply. At the same time, local government units and other stakeholders must hold NGCP accountable while fostering cooperation to address the region’s growing energy needs.
Power is the lifeblood of economic aspirations. Ensuring a reliable and resilient energy system is the cornerstone of sustainable development and a brighter future for Iloilo and the whole Panay Island.
