PH nears universal electricity access

The Philippines is on the verge of achieving universal electricity access despite challenges in its shift toward renewable energy (RE) sources, according to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

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“Countries like Indonesia, Fiji, and the Philippines are very close to reaching universal access, surpassing 98-percent coverage,” UNESCAP said in a Sept. 3 report titled “Transforming energy systems for a low carbon future in Asia and the Pacific: Regional Trends Report on Energy for Sustainable Development.”

Citing 2023 data provided by the Washington-based World Bank, UNESCAP said 98 percent of the Philippine population has access to electricity.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, electricity access jumped to nearly 99 percent in 2023 from about 80 percent in 2000.

“This progress has been primarily achieved by the expansion of national grids, the deployment of off-grid solar installations, and robust government support...