Business · Philippines Bureau
Cebu businesses adapt operations as power cuts persist amid rising costs
Manufacturing and commercial firms in Cebu are restructuring work schedules and investing in alternative energy sources as rolling brownouts continue to disrupt productivity. Business groups warn the prolonged power crisis threatens the region's economic competitiveness.
LSN Philippines ·
CEBU CITY — Companies operating in Cebu are implementing significant operational changes to cope with ongoing rotational blackouts that have stretched across several months, forcing them to explore costly workarounds to maintain productivity.
Businesses are adjusting operating hours to align with power availability windows, while simultaneously deploying diesel generators and transitioning to solar energy systems to offset supply gaps. These measures represent substantial additional expenses for enterprises already facing margin pressures in an increasingly competitive regional market.
Local business organizations have expressed growing concern about the sustainability of current operations, noting that manufacturing activities have become particularly vulnerable to the intermittent power supply. The cumulative effect of repeated disruptions is creating uncertainty about investment decisions and workforce planning.
Industry representatives say the power situation requires urgent intervention to prevent further deterioration in business confidence and competitiveness. The reliance on expensive backup power sources, they argue, places Cebu-based manufacturers at a disadvantage compared to competitors in neighboring regions with more stable electricity supply.