CEBU CITY — The Cebu Provincial Government, energy industry representatives, and local government units have formed the Cebu Energy Alliance to strengthen coordination and address the province's growing power concerns. The alliance was formalized through a commitment signing led by Governor Pamela Baricuatro during the Cebu Energy Summit on October 12, 2026 at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
A Unified Front for Cebu's Power Future
Signatories included the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Energy Regulatory Commission, Aboitiz Power, and distribution utilities such as Visayan Electric, Cebu Electric Cooperative, and Mactan Electric Company. Provincial officials, local government units, and other stakeholders also pledged their commitment to the alliance.
Organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry in collaboration with the Provincial Government, the summit focused on power supply constraints, rising electricity costs, and measures to meet Cebu's growing energy demand. The alliance will serve as a platform for addressing the province's energy challenges through collaborative action.
Soaring Demand and Supply Gaps
Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Guarin acknowledged the challenges facing the Visayas grid, including the simultaneous shutdown of several power plants and the anticipated effects of El Niño on electricity generation. She highlighted Cebu's rapidly growing electricity demand, which is increasing by 14 percent annually compared to around 6 percent in other areas of the country.
NGCP presented figures showing Visayas electricity demand at 1,229 megawatts compared with a generation capacity of 863 megawatts. This gap highlights the region's urgent need for additional power supply. The grid operator said it is already coordinating with power sources in Luzon and Mindanao to augment the Visayas supply, which could help prevent yellow and red alerts through December.
Additional Power Sources on the Horizon
To help address the supply gap, the DOE is pursuing additional power sources, including power barges expected to arrive as early as the first quarter of 2027, subject to logistical and contractual requirements. Guarin also called on consumers to conserve electricity as the country prepares for the effects of Super El Niño.
Governor Baricuatro said reliable electricity is essential to sustaining businesses, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of essential services, particularly in hospitals. She assured that the Provincial Government would help coordinate with LGUs and pursue the concerns raised during the summit with the appropriate agencies.
Business Sector Calls for Reliability
The CCCI emphasized how power interruptions disrupt business operations, increase operating costs, and undermine investor confidence, with micro, small, and medium enterprises being hit particularly hard compared to large firms. The business sector called for timely and accurate updates on power interruptions and restoration schedules, alongside stronger system reliability.
Business representatives also committed to energy conservation, improved efficiency, maintaining backup systems, and exploring alternative energy solutions where viable. These commitments reflect a shared responsibility approach to addressing the province's energy challenges.
A Collaborative Path Forward
The alliance is expected to provide a venue for continued coordination among government, energy providers, and the business sector. Governor Baricuatro emphasized that government, the energy sector, and stakeholders must work together to build a province with more jobs, stronger businesses, better healthcare, and thriving tourism.
Also present at the event were Provincial Board Member Dr. Stanley Caminero, chairperson of the Committee on Energy, and Daanbantayan Mayor Gilbert Arrabis Jr. Their participation underscores the broad support for the initiative across different levels of governance.
