Philippine lawmakers seek solutions for Visayas power instability

Philippine lawmakers are calling for increased action to address persistent power instability and infrastructure deficiencies in the Visayas region and Eastern Samar.

Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has filed a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the Visayas grid following repeated yellow and red alerts. Data indicates the grid recorded at least 93 yellow alerts and 30 red alerts between January and early September. The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) recently identified Cebu as a weak link, reporting a significant power shortfall during evening peaks. These outages, which can last up to nine hours, have impacted businesses, education, and medical services.

In Eastern Samar, Representative Christopher Sheen Gonzales is advocating for major upgrades to the province’s power transmission system to combat low-voltage conditions and high electricity costs. Gonzales is seeking support from the Department of Energy for priority projects, including a 69-kV sub-transmission line in Guiuan and a proposed 138-kV line in northern Eastern Samar. He also raised concerns regarding Line Loss Congestion Costs and ancillary service charges passed on to consumers.