The Department of Energy (DOE) is preparing a series of policy moves to strengthen accountability in the power sector and accelerate electrification, especially in island communities.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said during the sidelines of the Net Zero Carbon Alliance Conference 2025 that the DOE is finalizing a new policy that will set clear liabilities for generation companies (gencos) and create a blacklist for repeated violators, citing the recent supply issues in Siquijor. 

“We don’t want those kinds of generation companies na hindi na po-perform, na kawawa kasi yung consumers. So, we are already doing a public consultation soon on the new policy—what are the responsibilities, what are the liabilities of generation companies, plus including the blacklisting system of companies that are violating all the time,” she said.

On Boracay, Garin noted that while power was restored after the recent outage, the solution remains temporary and fragile. 

“Although the power has been restored there already, what are the plans? Forward steps? It’s a huge effort. But that is temporary because it’s only 10 meters high. Some are on the beach. So, if there’s only one storm, it might get destroyed,” she said, referring to the temporary meter overhead line put into operation on September 15. The DOE is coordinating with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) for a more permanent underground system.

Garin added that the DOE’s next focus for electrification includes Catanduanes, Masbate, Camotes, and Palawan, on top of the work already underway in Siquijor and Boracay. The department estimates that PHP 70 billion will be needed to achieve total electrification by 2028. “It will take time, but yes, it’s doable,” she said.

Microgrids are expected to play a role in this effort, with the DOE reviewing current rules to encourage more private sector participation. 

“We need more calibration for our microgrid system and I just recently had a meeting with our team and maybe we can revisit it because we want more microgrids. If we need to change some of our policies then we’ll do that because this is one of the mandates of the President,” Garin said.

The DOE is also set to launch a competitive selection process in Siquijor for a five-megawatt solar project, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on costly diesel generation in small island grids.

“These issues show that fixing the power sector is a continuous activity, so it’s non-stop,” Garin added.

Do you think DOE’s measures on accountability, microgrids, and renewable-powered islands will be enough to prevent prolonged blackouts in vulnerable areas?

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