Catanduanes is moving closer to ending prolonged rotational brownouts following the arrival of emergency generator sets under the province’s second Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA 2), with the Department of Energy (DOE) targeting full commercial operation of the new units by June 15.

The generator sets, supplied by Isla Dagyab Energy Corporation, arrived in the province on June 4 and 5 and are expected to provide 8 megawatts (MW) of additional capacity to help stabilize electricity service and address ongoing supply shortages.

Speaking during a virtual press conference on Tuesday, June 9, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the government is working to restore stable electricity service in the province following a directive from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resolve Catanduanes’ power situation as quickly as possible.

The additional capacity is expected to help close a power supply deficit that has contributed to extended rotational brownouts across the province. DOE officials said Catanduanes recently recorded a peak demand of 17.53 MW, while available generation capacity had fallen short by about 5.81 MW.

All site preparation works were completed before the arrival of the generator sets, allowing installation activities to begin immediately. Testing and commissioning are scheduled from June 10 to 14 before commercial operations commence.

While the new units are being prepared, the National Power Corporation (NPC) has stepped in with temporary measures to help ease the shortage.

NPC President Jericho Jonas B. Nograles said generator sets previously rented by Sunwest Water and Electric Co. Inc. (SUWECO) have been relocated to the NPC Marinawa Compound to provide interim power supply.

“NPC is ready to do what is necessary to keep power flowing in Catanduanes while permanent solutions are being put in place,” Nograles said. “The energization of these generating units is an immediate intervention to help close the supply gap, reduce rotational brownouts, and provide the people of Catanduanes the reliable service they urgently need.”

DOE said the province’s power supply challenges stem from a combination of factors, including reduced hydroelectric generation during the dry season, delays in planned capacity expansion, and the expiration of a 5-MW emergency power supply arrangement in May.

Garin said the coordinated response among DOE, NPC, National Electrification Administration (NEA), and other stakeholders is aimed at providing lasting relief to consumers affected by recurring outages.

“These initiatives reflect the Marcos Administration’s clear directive to act swiftly and decisively to resolve power supply challenges and ensure that the people of Catanduanes have access to reliable electricity that powers their homes, businesses, and essential services,” Garin said.

The energy chief added that the government is aiming to reduce interruptions significantly this month as additional capacity comes online.

Once both the temporary NPC units and the 8-MW Isla Dagyab supply are operational, officials expect the province to have sufficient available capacity to meet current electricity demand and substantially reduce rotational brownouts.

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