Reliable, Stable and Resilient Power for Cebu and the Visayas

Power is non-negotiable. “Power is a crucial and non-negotiable ingredient to progress. If water is life, as many say, then power gives life to the economy. The lack of power means there is no economic growth to speak of,” Keynote Speaker, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia shared about the importance of power in the economic growth of Cebu.

Attended by over 100 representatives from various sectors, The Freeman, Cebu’s longest-running new media, successfully hosted the “Powering Cebu” business forum on November 6, 2024, at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino.

Aimed to facilitate a discourse on the power issues affecting the province, bringing together key stakeholders from both public and private sectors.

DOE Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan explained that Cebu serves as the connection hub for the entire Visayas.

“For the Visayas next year, the peak demand will register at 2,700 megawatts. We have ample supply in the Visayas, but we must make available for this capacity already,” said the DOE Assistant Secretary.

Marasigan said that with the completion of the transmission facility projects of NGCP, “we should be able to realize reliable and robust transmission facilities or conveyance of supply to our demand.”

Looking ahead, the Province of Cebu expects the solar power plant to become operational in the coming years, promising a substantial reduction in Cebu’s dependence on traditional energy sources. This sustainable power plant will not only provide a reliable and renewable energy supply but also contribute to the province’s ongoing economic and social advancement.

Neil Modina, OIC of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Visayas System Operations assistant vice president, who spoke on “Transmission: Ensuring Grid Reliability and Security,” said Cebu’s total power capacity is 1,123 megawatts, while its peak demand is at 1,223 megawatts, or a negative reserve of 100 megawatts.

But because of the interconnection of the Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao power grids, Cebu, through the “Import Power Transfer Capacity,” has 450 megawatts available from Mindanao and 250 megawatts from Luzon.

In the Visayas region, approximately 1,700 MW of power projects are currently underway, with an anticipated completion date within the next two years. One of these projects is expected to become operational either in the upcoming year or in 2026. Specifically for Cebu, their focus is centered around achieving a total capacity of approximately 57.5 MW.

Moreover, a panel discussion with the business community as well as the tourism and hospitality group facilitated exchange of insights and viewpoints of energy, infrastructure, and economics.

CCCI President Jay Yuvallos made a notable statement, highlighting that the key to sustaining economic growth is sustaining the high growth of investments where power is the primary input. Pres Yuvallos further stated that promoting an investment-favorable environment translates employment-generating opportunities, providing support services which ensure skilled and equipped workforce to take advantage of these job opportunities, and fostering an enabling environment to attract more investments or make existing one’s flourish even more – creating a bigger impact in the community and helping individuals “graduate from poverty.”

For more information of the chamber’s advocacy and programs, one may call CCCI at 232-1421 or email at info@cebuchamber.org (MCN)