DOE: Almost 3 million homes yet to be electrified

GMA Network

a day ago

The Department of Energy stated on Thursday that nearly three million households, particularly in remote areas, have yet to have electricity.
'Sa ngayon po kasi sinusunod natin yung pinakahuling survey ng Philippine Statistics Authority kung saan nasasaad kung ilan pa yung mga kabahayan natin nasa malalayong lugar at hindi pa nabibigyan ng serbisyo ng kuryente - ito po ay almost 3 million households pa po,' said Energy Undersecretary Mario Marasigan in Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
(We're currently following the latest survey from the Philippine Statistics Authority, which states how many households in remote areas still don't have electricity service—this is almost 3 million households.)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in his State of the Nation Address that 2.5 million households have been provided access to electricity since the start of his administration in 2022. With that, the government plans to have 200 plants that could energize millions of other households before the end of his term in 2028.
The DOE said it was looking into other options that would help provide energy to remote areas.
'Napakahirap na porgrama ang ating dapat isakatuparan dahil una nga po, malalayo po ang mga lugar at wala pong pwedeng paglagyan ng mga linya ng kuryente. Kaya naghahanap tayo ng iba't-ibang klaseng solusyon para mabigyan natin ng serbisyo ng kuryente kahit hindi sa pamamagitan ng conventional way po,' said Marasigan.
(This program is incredibly challenging to implement because, first, the areas are very remote, and there are no suitable places to put up power lines. That's why we're looking for various solutions to provide electricity services, even if it's not through conventional methods.)
Among the approaches that the Energy Department is considering to achieve nationwide electrification is putting up microgrids.
'Kung saan ang mga proponents ay magtatayo ng planta at magtatayo ng kanilang sariling distribution system. Isang community po ang tinatarget natin na mayroon pong at least 50 households na pwedeng maging viable sa operation po ng ating private proponents. Ang Department of Energy ay magko-conduct ng mga competitive selection process kung saan natin io-offer itong mga areas na ito sa private sector,' said Marasigan.
(In this setup, proponents will build a power plant and establish their own distribution system. We're targeting communities with at least 50 households that are viable for the operation of our private proponents. The Department of Energy will conduct competitive selection processes where we'll offer these areas to the private sector.)
The DOE official said that through the Microgrid Systems Act, contracts have already been offered to some private firms to put up microgrids in some communities in Palawan, Camarines Norte, and Quezon. But Marasigan said that the government is targeting to have microgrids in Mindanao, which have more isolated communities.
Further, the DOE is also considering having solar-powered homes in far-flung communities.
'Itong solar home system na ito ay hindi in the form of donation kundin serbisyo kuryente po ulit. Lalagyan natin ng mga solar home system kung saan may kakayanan mag-generate ng electricity through solar power. Mayroon po siyang kakayahan na magilaw ng tatlo hanggang limang bumbilya at probisyon ng isang outlet para makapag-charge,' said Marasigan.
(This solar home system isn't a donation; it's another electricity service. We'll install solar home systems that can generate electricity through solar power. They'll be able to power three to five light bulbs, and we will provide one outlet for charging.)
Siquijor power situation
Moreover, the DOE said that it is already working towards addressing the power crisis in Siquijor following Marcos' call of the President to normalize the power services in the island before the year ends.
'So bukod sa ngayon na ginagawa natin na daily ang monitoring natin sa sitwasyon sa Siquijor, pinayagan na natin ang National Electrification Administration na mag-conduct ng comprehensive technical and operational audit ng ating power generator sa isla ng Siquijor,' said Marasigan.
(So, in addition to our daily monitoring of the situation in Siquijor, we've already authorized the National Electrification Administration to conduct a comprehensive technical and operational audit of our power generator on Siquijor Island.)
Marasigan explained that authorities will check on the generating facilities in Siquijor if they are still in good condition and have the necessary permits.
'Kung makikita natin na may kakulangan kung ang ating power proponent sa Siquijor, kasama sa deadline na binigay ng mahal na Pangulo, dapat by December 31 na-correct na po at fully compliant….Para masigurado natin na starting January 1 next year permanente na ang maibibigay na solusyon sa isla ng Siquijor,' he said.
(If we see any shortcomings with the power proponent in Siquijor, they must be corrected and fully compliant by December 31, as part of the deadline set by the President. This is to ensure that, starting January 1 next year, a permanent solution for the island of Siquijor will take place.)
To recall, Siquijor had rotational brownouts since May 13, 2025, prompting the Siquijor provincial government to declare a state of calamity.
Marcos inspected the Siquijor Island Power Corp. power plant in the province last month and directed an investigation into its operations amid the power issues. He also said he is open to the possibility of having another power provider in the province. –NB, GMA Integrated News