Philippines investigates power market abuse and supply issues in Visayas

Philippine officials are seeking long-term solutions and investigations into the recurring power supply issues and price spikes in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The Department of Energy (DOE) has instructed the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) and the Philippine Electricity Market Corporation (PEMC) to investigate potential market abuse during periods of tight supply and elevated spot prices.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin stated that while the DOE is not assuming abuse has occurred, the referral aims to determine if market participants took advantage of recent power shortages. The review follows inquiries from Congress and other executive offices regarding electricity price spikes.

In the legislature, Iloilo City Representative Julienne Baronda has co-authored House Resolution No. 1430, calling for an inquiry into the cost and delivery of ancillary services. She also advocated for the completion of the Batangas-Mindoro-Panay interconnection to improve power distribution from Luzon to Panay. Additionally, local officials have called for a review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to address how the current legal framework impacts households and businesses during rotational brownouts.