The Department of Energy (DOE) is backing potential local government efforts to declare an “energy emergency” in Cebu, as the Visayas power grid continues to struggle with persistent supply shortages. Energy official Sharon Garin stated on Monday, June 22, that the national government would support local authorities if they pursue expanded powers to address the ongoing grid instability.
Why the energy supply is critical in Cebu
The power crisis in the region has escalated beyond a mere technical grid issue, according to DOE official Sharon Garin. The instability has directly impacted daily life for households and disrupted operations for local businesses. Since May 12, the Visayas grid has been placed under a series of yellow and red alerts, leading to frequent rotating brownouts across the area. These power interruptions have affected critical infrastructure, including hospitals, which rely on a stable electricity supply for essential services.
What the national government is doing
The DOE is currently working under a one-month deadline set by the President to stabilize the power situation and eliminate the need for red alerts. Garin confirmed that the department is coordinating with the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and the National Electrification Administration (NEA). The agency is also engaging with private companies to secure additional power capacity for the Visayas grid within this timeframe. The DOE noted that it is not waiting for a formal emergency declaration to begin these mitigation efforts.
What could happen next
If local government units in Cebu move to formally declare an energy emergency, they may gain access to expanded powers designed to expedite solutions for the supply crunch. While the DOE has stated it would support such a move, the actual implementation remains contingent on local assessments. If the current coordination with energy stakeholders fails to resolve the supply issues within the one-month target, the region could face continued rotating brownouts. Residents and businesses may see the situation evolve based on whether the incoming additional power supply effectively offsets the current grid strain.
