The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued an official directive requiring all power generation companies across the country to complete mandatory Ancillary Services (AS) capability testing before the year-end, specifically citing the noncompliance of over a hundred facilities nationwide.

In an advisory released on May 29, 2025, DOE Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla stressed that this order is in line with Department Circular No. DC2019-12-0018, which mandates AS capability testing and certification for all generation facilities connected to the national grid.

According to a March 3, 2025 report submitted by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to the DOE, a total of 128 generating units have yet to undergo the required testing.

“In view of the foregoing, all generation companies are hereby directed to coordinate with the System Operator to conduct the AS capability testing and secure their corresponding accreditation,” Secretary Lotilla stated in the advisory.

The NGCP, which serves as the System Operator, is primarily tasked with preparing and releasing a detailed schedule for the testing process. The schedule must include the DOE-approved Grid Operating and Maintenance Program, give priority to facilities in the Visayas region, and fast-track testing for generation units that are not yet accredited.

All testing must be completed by December 31, 2025, the advisory clearly emphasized.

The DOE also clarified that the schedule should not delay or disrupt testing already underway for other power plants. Within two weeks of the advisory’s release, the NGCP must submit the finalized schedule to the DOE and disseminate it to all generation companies for immediate action as well.

To monitor compliance, the NGCP is also required to provide monthly progress reports to the DOE, detailing the status of testing and accreditation of the generating units. Any cases of noncompliance will be referred directly to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which may impose appropriate penalties accordingly.

“For strict compliance,” Lotilla concluded, urging affected stakeholders to contact the DOE’s Electric Power Industry Management Bureau for further guidance.

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