With demand peaking at 20 megawatts (MW), consumer advocacy group Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) is urging government agencies to deliver a roadmap for stable grid connectivity and long-term energy reforms for Siquijor.

“For nearly a month, residents have endured blackouts lasting up to five hours per day,” said PARE Chief Advocate Officer Nic Satur Jr. “This is not an isolated issue—it reveals systemic neglect in SPUG areas.”

PARE said Siquijor’s power demand has surged to at least 9.4 MW during normal months and hits up to 20 MW during peak tourist season. The island province is fast rising as a top tourist destination because of its blend of natural beauty, cultural uniqueness, and an off-the-beaten-path charm.

The recent tourism influx highlighted not only the island’s economic potential but also its need for stable energy. 

“These blackouts paralyze livelihoods, disrupt schools and hospitals, and violate the basic right to electricity,” Satur said. “The 2 MW modular generator is welcome—but it’s only a band-aid.”

PARE urged the Department of Energy (DOE), National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), National Electrification Administration (NEA), Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and Siquijor’s local government to present a long-term plan.

“We ask: What happens after this crisis? Where is the roadmap for peak demand and future growth?” Satur said. “The public deserves more than short-term fixes.”

The group outlined key demands:

• Publish updated demand forecasts, especially for high-tourism months.
  
• Accelerate plans to connect Siquijor to the main grid.
  
• Enforce accountability for Siquijor Island Power Corporation (SIPCOR).
  
• Impose penalties for failure to meet EPIRA reliability standards.

PARE added there is hope for the province as Boracay Island faced similar challenges in the past but is now enjoying reliable energy supply after getting connected to the main grid via submarine cable.

“No island should be left behind,” he said. “If the government is serious about inclusive growth, SPUG areas like Siquijor need reliable energy now.”

In an earlier report, Rappler  said the DOE is already investigating the worsening power crisis in Siquijor. Due to a mismatch between electricity demand and supply, the area has experienced daily outages lasting up to six hours. 

The situation has led provincial authorities to declare a state of calamity, citing disruptions to essential services and economic activity.

The DOE reported that Siquijor’s current energy demand stands at 10.5 megawatts (MW), but the island only has 8.8 MW in contracted supply, which leaves a shortfall of 1.7 MW. 

During a field inspection conducted on May 6 to 7, the DOE identified a number of contributing factors, including technical and operational issues, and gaps in long-term planning. The island’s power provider, Siquijor Island Power Corporation, operates six generator units, all of which were undergoing repairs at the time of the inspection.

Follow Power Philippines on Facebook and LinkedIn or join our Viber community for more updates.