3 days ago
ERC launches probe into Siquijor power crisis
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on Thursday announced that it is conducting a formal inquiry into the power crisis in the island province of Siquijor.
In a statement, the ERC said it asked the Province of Siquijor Electric Cooperative Inc. (PROSIELCO), S.I. Power Corporation (SIPCOR) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) to appear and provide explanations at a public hearing scheduled for July 3.
The regulator said it is reviewing the compliance of PROSIELCO and SIPCOR with their respective Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) with contracted capacity of 9.5 megawatts (MW), which the ERC said 'should be sufficient to meet the peak demand in Siquijor.'
'The investigation was prompted by reports received by the Commission regarding frequent and prolonged power outages across Siquijor, which have disrupted economic activities and affected the welfare of residents, businesses, and tourists in the province,' the ERC said.
The provincial government of Siquijor, through its Sangguniang Panlalawigan, earlier this month declared a state of calamity due to the worsening power crisis, as residents have been facing rotational brownouts since May 13, 2025.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the SIPCOR power plant in the province last week and directed an investigation into SIPCOR's operations amid the ongoing power issues.
He added that he was open to the possibility of having another power provider in the province.
'In calling for this public inquiry, the commission is determined to find long-term solutions to the power reliability issues experienced by the province and ensure that contractual commitments are delivered and services are improved moving forward,' said ERC chairperson and CEO Monalisa Dimalanta.
The ERC said, during its technical inspection last month, it observed several operational and regulatory deficiencies in the generation facilities and distribution lines in the province.
'These deficiencies include inadequate preventive maintenance, lack of fuel inventory, operating without required safety certifications and plant certificate of compliance, and the use of rental generators without permits,' it said.
'The Commission also noted the use of improper sectionalizing equipment and delays in infrastructure relocation on the distribution side,' it added.
Over the weekend, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) said it had successfully restored power in Siquijor. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
