A RENEWABLE energy industry group on Thursday called for a summit in Cebu to address persistent power supply shortages in the Visayas.
The Developers of Renewable Energy for Advancement Inc. (Dream), an umbrella organization of renewable energy associations in the Philippines, said the proposed gathering would bring together industry players and government agencies to identify immediate solutions to the problem.
“We need to come together as an industry to help Filipino consumers, ensure uninterrupted business operations, and sustain economic development in the region,” Dream president Jay Layug said.
Citing data from independent sources, the group said available power capacity in the Visayas has ranged from 2,200 to 2,900 megawatts (MW) this year, against peak demand of 2,300 to 2,550 MW, leaving supply tight at times.
On Oct. 20, available capacity stood at 2,468 MW against peak demand of 2,545 MW, with 685 MW unavailable to the grid.
On Oct. 17, available capacity was 2,511 MW against peak demand of 2,362 MW.
Dream trustee Tetchi Capellan said the industry must work with government policymakers, grid operators and regulators to address supply problems in Cebu, Panay and Bohol.
Both officials of the group said the summit should prioritize solutions that can be deployed quickly, including rooftop solar paired with battery storage.
“Rooftop solar can be installed in weeks,” Capellan said, adding that batteries allow electricity generated during the day to be used after sunset in homes, factories and businesses.
She noted that falling solar and battery costs could make the combination the cheapest electricity option for the Visayas.
Layug cautioned against relying on additional oil- and gas-fired generation, saying this could increase costs for consumers amid geopolitical conflicts affecting the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the immediate response to supply shortages is often to install fossil fuel-powered generators because many households and businesses are still unfamiliar with renewable energy paired with storage.
Dream has invited the Department of Energy, grid and market operators, utilities, regulators, and local governments to discuss ways to speed up permitting and complete new power generation and grid projects.
The summit is being planned to be held before the Christmas break.
