The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has issued 24 show-cause orders against 13 power generation companies following frequent power outages in the Visayas and Mindanao. Issued on October 14, the orders require the companies to explain why 48 generating units exceeded the allowable Equivalent Unplanned Outage (EOU) limits. The ERC said the action forms part of its ongoing assessment of electricity supply interruptions and high power prices in the two regions. The commission is currently awaiting verified responses and supporting documents from the concerned companies before proceeding with further evaluations.
It also warned that appropriate penalties may be imposed if violations of established reliability standards are confirmed, while ensuring that all proceedings follow due process. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy (DOE) has directed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to install more than 250 megawatts of battery energy storage systems to help strengthen power reserves in the Visayas grid. The agency is also considering the use of liquid fuel facilities to provide additional electricity supply and address recurring power interruptions.
