Advocates Push for Return of National Grid Planning to Department of Energy
What happened
Advocates, including Cebu Energy Rights Advocates, supported a congressional proposal calling for the return of national grid transmission planning to the Department of Energy and the National Transmission Corp. The push was made during a joint hearing on September 21, 2026. The call stems from prolonged electricity shortages in the Visayas, where wholesale prices averaged P18.59 per kilowatt-hour between July 26 and August 25. On September 22, 2026, the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines placed the Visayas grid under a yellow alert due to 13 power plants being on forced outage and 16 operating at derated capacities.
From sunstar.com.ph
Why it matters
The advocates argue that weaknesses in the current transmission system have worsened power supply problems in the Visayas. The proposal seeks to give the Department of Energy responsibility for transmission planning while limiting the mandate of the privately owned National Grid Corp. of the Philippines to project development and construction.
From sunstar.com.ph
Who's involved
- Department of EnergyPhilippine energy department central to the proposed national grid planning authority.
- LuzonLuzon is the island region whose excess capacity is cited as a potential aid to the Visayas.
- PhilippinesThe country whose energy infrastructure is the subject of the planning debate.
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The entities involved
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Department of Energy
Philippine energy department
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Luzon
largest island of the Philippines
Related events
- The Department of Energy is coordinating the restoration of Mindanao units and deploying battery storage in Negros and Leyte to support the Visayas grid.
- The Visayas region relies on power imports from both Luzon and Mindanao.
- Presidential instructions have led to the implementation of projects across Luzon, focusing on strengthening agriculture.
- Grid maintenance in Cebu requires load shedding.
- The Department of Energy confirmed preparations for the revival of an oil and gas field situated in a province of Cebu, with local officials pushing for direct involvement.