Philippines DOE mandates 72-hour backup power for critical facilities

The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) has issued Department Circular No. DC2026-0114, requiring critical infrastructure to maintain backup power systems capable of sustaining operations for at least 72 hours without grid electricity. This directive aims to ensure service continuity during the potential effects of El Niño, which may tighten electricity supplies by reducing water availability for hydropower generation.

Covered facilities include hospitals, rural health units, emergency medical services, water supply facilities, and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) food hubs. These institutions must install generators or renewable energy systems and update their Public Service Continuity Plans (PSCPs) or Business Continuity Plans (BCPs). Priority for these resiliency measures will be given to high-risk and off-grid areas.

In related preparations, the DOE is fast-tracking 200 power projects through Task Force 200. As of late October 2026, 55 projects, including battery energy storage systems, have been completed, adding approximately 2,365 megawatts of capacity.