Visayas power crisis may persist until 2028, warns energy chief

CEBU CITY — While the Visayas power grid has avoided red and yellow alerts this week, the region remains vulnerable to electricity supply deficits that could persist for years, Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warned Monday.

Garin said the Visayas could still experience red alerts — signifying critically low power reserves — through 2028 if planned interventions fail to materialize on schedule. The energy chief identified three key solutions needed to stabilize the region's power situation: deployment of power barges, installation of battery storage systems, and completion of new generating plants.

The Visayas grid, which serves millions of residents and businesses across the central Philippines, has experienced recurring power emergencies during peak demand periods. The region's electricity supply has consistently lagged behind consumption, creating bottlenecks that disrupt economic activity and strain households.

The projects cited by Garin are expected to add significant capacity to the grid, though their implementation timelines remain critical. Energy officials have emphasized the need for accelerated development of these infrastructure projects to prevent prolonged supply constraints.

Despite the temporary respite from high-alert status, authorities advised consumers and businesses in the Visayas to prepare contingency measures and practice energy conservation as precautionary measures against potential future shortages.