A total of 114 on-grid generation facilities failed to respond to show cause orders issued by the Department of Energy (DOE), prompting the agency to place non-responsive power generators under closer scrutiny as it tightens accountability across the generation sector.

The DOE said it issued 174 show cause orders covering on-grid generation facilities and 29 covering off-grid facilities. The orders directed them to explain why administrative or criminal action should not be imposed for failing to submit required reports on time.

Among on-grid facilities, 37 submitted the required documents, five requested extensions, and 18 acknowledged receipt of the orders but had yet to comply. However, 114 on-grid facilities failed to respond altogether.

For off-grid facilities, 12 submitted the required reports, five requested extensions, while seven failed to respond.

The orders are part of the DOE’s enforcement of Department Circular No. DC2026-02-0006, which requires generation companies to submit Annual Self-Assessment Forms and other reportorial requirements.

The required submissions allow the DOE to assess the operational readiness, technical performance, and compliance of generation facilities. In plain terms, the reports help the agency identify potential risks early before they affect electricity supply.

The latest enforcement update follows the DOE’s earlier issuance of show cause orders against generation companies that failed to submit annual self-assessment forms despite an extended April 24 deadline. The compliance push was previously tied to concerns over forced outages, capacity deratings, and failure to deliver committed capacities.

It also comes as the DOE continues to monitor generation reliability following weeks of pressure on the Visayas Grid, which exited Yellow Alert status this week after Panay Energy Development Corporation Unit 3 returned to service and restored 150 megawatts of generating capacity.

While the return of PEDC Unit 3 improved operating reserves, several major facilities remain under scheduled maintenance, including Therma Visayas Units 1 and 2 and KEPCO-SPC Unit 1. The Visayas Grid also continues to receive around 700 MW of imported power from Luzon and Mindanao.

The DOE did not directly link the non-responsive generation facilities to the recent Visayas Yellow Alerts. However, the agency said reportorial requirements are meant to help ensure that generation companies remain capable of supporting reliable electricity supply.

“Accountability is not optional. These reportorial requirements exist for one reason: to help ensure that generation companies remain capable of delivering the reliable electricity that Filipino consumers depend on every day. When companies disregard these obligations despite being given the opportunity to explain, the Department has the responsibility to act decisively to protect the public interest,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.

The DOE said failure to respond to the show cause orders will constitute another instance of non-compliance under existing rules and will subject the concerned facilities to heightened regulatory oversight.

As part of the next phase of enforcement, the department will conduct more comprehensive inspections of non-responsive facilities to verify compliance with operational, technical, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

The inspections will also determine whether the facilities continue to operate safely, reliably, and in accordance with the standards under the DOE’s accountability framework.

Depending on the outcome of the administrative proceedings and inspections, the DOE may suspend or revoke the Certificates of Endorsement of the concerned generation companies.

The department may also recommend to the Energy Regulatory Commission the cancellation of Certificates of Compliance, imposition of fines and penalties, and blacklisting or disqualification of erring entities where allowed under existing rules.

“Reliable electricity begins with responsible operators. Strong oversight today helps prevent avoidable outages tomorrow. By ensuring that generation companies comply with their obligations, we are strengthening the resilience of our power system and better protecting Filipino consumers from unnecessary supply disruptions,” Garin said.

The DOE said it remains committed to strengthening oversight of the power generation sector through proactive monitoring, enforcement of accountability measures, and timely regulatory interventions.

Can stricter enforcement of generator reporting rules help prevent avoidable power supply disruptions?

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