Department of Energy Secretary Sharon Garin has warned private power investors and developers that failure to meet commitments in public utilities will not be tolerated, as the government pushes to replicate the recent turnaround of Siquijor’s electricity supply in other island provinces.

According to Garin, the Siquijor case highlights the government’s resolve to hold investors accountable, warning that firms that fail to deliver will be replaced. She added that DOE will next review electricity reliability in Camotes, Masbate, Catanduanes, and Camiguin, before yearend.

“If you want to do business in a public utility, then you should abide by your commitments. If you can’t, then we will find a way to replace that developer or that generation company or any type of business because that is not acceptable for the President. While you earn from the people, you make them suffer. That’s totally unacceptable,” the DOE chief said.

The Siquijor intervention followed years of unreliable service from the Siquijor Island Power Corp. (SIPCOR), whose operating authority was revoked last week by the Energy Regulatory Commission due to multiple violations.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. today led the inauguration of the 17.8-megawatt New Siquijor Diesel Power Plants, nearly doubling the island’s peak demand of nine megawatts. This capacity, officials said, ensures ample reserves and eliminates the recurring brownouts that had long affected the island.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Philippine Energy Transition 2025 event, Garin said that while Siquijor is now enjoying a more stable supply following the installation of new diesel plants, work remains in upgrading old distribution lines.

“So far, there hasn’t been any interruption, except for minor lang just a few minutes because of problems with infrastructure and distribution. But we’re happy with the result. Now, we have to upgrade the distribution lines,” she said.

Garin explained that about 80% of the province’s power interruptions were previously caused by supply shortages, which have now been addressed. “Now we’re trying to fix the 20%, which is the [old] distribution lines that we have… we need to recalibrate that so it can adjust to the growing demand of Siquijor,” she added.

Do you think the government should prioritize similar fast-tracked power projects in other islands facing unreliable electricity supply?

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Photo credit: PCO