By CESAR JOLITO III
A Negros-based consumer group has joined growing calls for a clear and time-bound energy roadmap for the Visayas as government projections point to a possible power supply shortfall this year.
The Alliance of Concerned Consumers in Electricity and Social Services (ACCESS) said it is backing warnings raised by the Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) that Cebu may soon enter a “critical energy” phase, with ripple effects across neighboring islands.
ACCESS President Wennie Sancho said the concern was reinforced by a projection from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicating a potential power crunch in the Visayas within the next two years.
“We need decisive action now,” Sancho said, stressing that a clear energy roadmap is critical to shielding consumers and businesses from the impact of a looming power crisis.
The DOE earlier cautioned that rising electricity demand, coupled with delays in the construction of new power plants, could leave Cebu and nearby provinces vulnerable to supply instability.
Business groups, particularly in the manufacturing and export sectors, have reportedly flagged escalating energy costs and production delays linked to unreliable power supply.
Sancho said ACCESS is set to meet with members of the Alliance of Consumers in Northern Negros to assess the implications of the projected power shortfall and to consolidate support for the proposed joint venture agreement between Negros Electric and Power Corporation (Negros Power) and Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco).
The proposed partnership is being pushed as a key measure to strengthen power distribution and readiness in Northern Negros.
Sancho pointed to the five-year development plan being implemented by Negros Power in Central Negros as a model that could be replicated across the region.
The consumer group also urged local government units in Northern Negros to fast-track the proposed Negros Power-Noneco partnership, warning that delays could leave communities unprepared should power supply fall short by 2026.
ACCESS, together with Power Watch Negros Advocates, echoed CERA’s call for both the DOE and local utilities to publish a transparent, time-bound energy roadmap for the wider Visayas region.
At the same time, major grid enhancement projects are underway, including the Cebu-Negros-Panay Interconnection Projects covering Stages 1 to 3.
These projects aim to reinforce the backbone of the Visayas grid and improve interisland energy sharing.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines said the ongoing initiatives are intended to ensure reliable and efficient electricity delivery nationwide./CJ, WDJ