Jobin-SQM Inc. (JSI), the clean energy subsidiary of Emerging Power Inc. (EPI) under Nickel Asia Corporation, has allocated PHP 4.44 million for the expansion of electricity distribution lines in underserved communities in Limay, Bataan.

The funding was turned over to the Peninsula Electric Cooperative, Inc. (PENELCO) to support the installation of primary and secondary distribution lines in Sitio Duale and Sitio Daang Bangka, areas that remain outside the existing grid network.

EPI Head of Operations and Maintenance Noel F. Raza said the initiative reflects the company’s responsibility to its host province and underscores the importance of ensuring that local communities directly benefit from energy operations. He also highlighted PENELCO’s role in translating infrastructure investments into actual household electrification.

EPI Head of Trading and Sales Raymond Joseph A. Marqueses described the project as a catalyst for local development, noting its potential to improve quality of life and support broader community progress through expanded energy access.

On the utility side, PENELCO President Dianna Jeanne Cajucon and General Manager Ellaine De Guzman expressed appreciation for the funding support, assuring that the amount will be used to ensure proper implementation of the line extensions and improved service delivery to the target areas.

The initiative is sourced from the Department of Energy’s ER 1-94 Electrification Fund, which finances electrification projects in host and neighboring communities of energy facilities.

The project highlights continued collaboration between private energy developers and distribution utilities in addressing last-mile electrification gaps in host provinces such as Bataan.

As distribution expansion efforts proceed in Limay, how effectively can similar host-community funding mechanisms accelerate universal electrification in other energy-producing provinces?

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