THE Department of Energy (DOE) on Tuesday said that it has coordinated with the National Power Corp. (Napocor) and the National Electrification Administration (NEC) in the delivery of emergency power generator sets to customers affected by the asset freeze of Zaldy Co-linked Sunwest Water and Electric Company (Suweco) in Catanduanes.
Some 70,000 and 55,000 households in Catanduanes and Tablas Island, respectively, have suffered from power outages, the DOE said.
The gensets, which were delivered June 4 and 5, are expected to deliver 8 megawatts (MW) of additional power to help address the province’s supply challenges and resolve rotational brownouts across Catanduanes.
The generators were acquired from Isla Dagyab Energy Corp. through the second Emergency Power Supply Agreement signed by the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc.
All site preparations and ground works were completed in advance, allowing installation activities to start immediately, the DOE said.
Technical teams from Isla Dagyab Energy will start testing and commissioning on June 10–14, with full commercial operations on June 15.
“These initiatives reflect the Marcos administration’s clear directive to act swiftly and decisively to resolve power supply challenges and ensure that the people of Catanduanes have access to reliable electricity,” Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said.
“We extend our gratitude to NEA, NPC, and all stakeholders for their coordinated efforts. This undertaking demonstrates that unity and collective action are key to delivering the stable energy supply every Filipino deserves.”
To further bridge the supply gap, NPC said it has stepped in as a temporary provider by relocating gensets previously rented by Suweco to the NPC Marinawa Compound as an interim solution while long-term supply arrangements are being finalized.
These units can provide an additional 6 MW of temporary power supply.
“We are ready to do what is necessary to keep power flowing in Catanduanes while permanent solutions are being put in place. The energization of these generation units is an immediate intervention to help close the supply gap, reduce rotational brownouts, and provide the people of Catanduanes the reliable service they urgently need,” NPC President Jericho Jonas Nograles said.
The power supply challenges in Catanduanes were due to a combination of contractual constraints and supply disruptions.
Suweco’s long-term power supply agreement relies largely on hydroelectric power, which is limited during dry seasons, while its planned expansion was not completed.
In December 2025, Suweco and Suweco Tablas Energy Corp. (STEC) — said to be owned by Co and his family — sought clarification with the DOE, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and NEA regarding a court order freezing their financial accounts due to investigations on the flood control corruption scandal, with Co as one of the alleged perpetrators.
Co has been in hiding abroad.