Government Adds Emergency Power Capacity to Ease Catanduanes Brownouts

News | National Posted on 2026-06-14 01:16:22

MANILA – The national government has activated a new 5-megawatt (MW) generator facility in Catanduanes as part of ongoing efforts to improve electricity reliability and address recurring power shortages in the island province.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) formally switched on the generator set on Thursday, providing immediate additional power capacity to help reduce rotational brownouts affecting residents, businesses, schools, and other essential institutions.

The initiative forms part of the government's response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen energy security and resolve power supply deficiencies in underserved areas.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and NPC President and Chief Executive Officer Jericho Jonas Nograles led the ceremonial activation of the facility, which is expected to provide much-needed relief to consumers facing frequent service interruptions.

According to the DOE, Catanduanes has experienced recurring power shortages in recent months due to generation constraints and delays in planned capacity expansion projects, resulting in rotational brownouts across the province.

The newly activated 5-MW generator set is intended as an immediate solution while longer-term power supply interventions are being completed.

The facility will be complemented by additional generating units supplied by Isla Dagyab Energy Corporation under the Emergency Power Supply Agreement 2 (EPSA 2), awarded by the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. on May 29.

Once fully operational, the EPSA 2 project is expected to contribute an additional 8 MW of electricity to the province’s power grid, significantly enhancing overall supply capacity.

The DOE reported that testing and commissioning activities for the additional generator units are currently underway, with completion targeted by June 14 and full commercial operations expected to commence shortly thereafter.

“The activation of the additional 5-MW NPC generator set is a significant step toward improving power reliability in Catanduanes and providing immediate relief to consumers affected by recurring outages,” Garin said.

She added that the combined capacity from the NPC facility and the EPSA 2 generators demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring a more stable and dependable electricity supply for the province.

“Together with the additional capacity being brought online through EPSA 2, these measures reflect the national government’s commitment to addressing the energy needs of Catanduanes and ensuring that households, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other critical institutions receive more reliable electricity service,” Garin said.

With the additional generation capacity now being deployed, officials expect a significant reduction in power interruptions while long-term energy infrastructure improvements continue to be implemented across the province.

NPO News Team I DOE / PNA-PR

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