Energy consumer group ILAW has lauded the decision of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA) to revoke Siquijor Island Power Corp.’s (SIPCOR) certificate of compliance for failing to provide sufficient electricity to the island.

The move follows an earlier ruling by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which cancelled all of SIPCOR’s provisional operating permits. TOTALPower, Inc. will now replace SIPCOR as the supplier of electricity in Siquijor, delivering 15.3 megawatts from three local generation facilities.

ILAW National Convenor Beng Garcia described the revocation as a “laudable development.” She criticized SIPCOR’s inability to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable power. She states that it caused “significant loss and hardship, as well as irreparable damage to the local economy.”

Garcia added that she hopes TOTALPower’s entry will allow Siquijor to recover.

ILAW Youth Convenor Francine Pradez said the group will continue monitoring the situation and called for SIPCOR to face penalties and administrative charges. “More than ceasing operations, penalties and administrative charges must follow as a lesson to other energy providers,” she said.

She further stressed that reparations should be pursued to hold SIPCOR accountable and urged authorities to apply similar swift action in other areas where power providers are failing their communities.

Do you agree with ILAW that stricter accountability measures should be imposed on underperforming energy providers?

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