Thin power reserves threaten Visayas economy

The Cebu Electricity Rights Advocates (CERA) has urged the Philippine government to accelerate the expansion of power generation capacity in the Visayas, warning that the region's economic growth could be undermined by recurring supply shortages.

- Ehda M. Dagooc Staff Member

The call comes after the Visayas grid was placed under “yellow alert” on August 6, when peak demand reached 2,369 megawatts (MW) against an available capacity of just 2,538 MW — leaving reserves at 169 MW, well below the 200 MW safety buffer required to avert potential blackouts.

The situation deteriorated further the next day, with reserves plunging to 98 MW.

A “yellow alert” signals that the grid has enough power to meet demand but lacks sufficient reserves to withstand sudden outages.