DOE's bigger 2027 budget aimed at bringing down power costs

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the Department of Energy's proposed P5.6-billion budget for 2027 is designed to help lower electricity costs across the Philippines during a House Committee on Appropriations hearing Wednesday.

The proposed budget marks a significant boost from the department's P4.43-billion approved allocation for 2026, representing a 25 percent increase in funding. Garin argued that the additional resources would enable the agency to implement measures aimed at reducing power prices for consumers nationwide.

The energy chief presented the budget proposal to lawmakers as part of the government's broader efforts to address electricity affordability concerns in the country. The hearing highlighted the administration's focus on energy policy as a key component of its economic agenda.

The House Committee on Appropriations will review the DOE's budget proposal along with other agency requests as Congress prepares the national budget for the coming fiscal year. The outcome of these deliberations will determine the final allocation available to the Energy Department for implementing its electricity pricing reduction initiatives.