Prevent future blackouts

THE SENATE energy committee hearing on Monday cast a concerning light on Western Visayas’ struggle with power infrastructure. The repeated blackouts in Panay Island, Guimaras and parts of Negros, most notably in April 2023 and again last week, are alarming indicators of deeper systemic issues. The Department of Energy’s (DOE) warnings about potential persistent power outages underscore a critical need for immediate and decisive action.

Central to this crisis is the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), responsible for crucial transmission and interconnection projects. Delays in these projects, particularly in the CebuNegros-Panay (CNP) connection and the Negros

Panay interconnection Line 2 Project, are not just administrative failures; they are direct threats to the region’s economic stability and public welfare. The CNP3 stage, involving an overhead line between Negros and Cebu and a submarine cable, is especially critical. Its timely completion is not merely an infrastructural upgrade but a necessary step to safeguard against prolonged blackouts.

The frustration local leaders is palpable and justified, reflecting the exasperation of Western Visayans repeatedly affected by these power outages. The pattern of these failures, if not addressed, risks becoming a norm, with escalating consequences.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)’s issuance of show cause orders for 37 of the 60 delayed NGCP projects is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. The multitude of challenges — ranging from rights of way, land acquisition, to construction issues — requires a multifaceted approach.

DOE has outlined strategies, including adjusting grid operations, coordinating maintenance schedules, and opening a reserve market. These are proactive measures that can mitigate the immediate risk of blackouts. However, the broader issue remains: the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the country’s power infrastructure and regulatory framework.

The recommendation to review NGCP’s franchise and the proposal to separate system operations from the transmission network signify a move towards more accountable and effective management. Such structural changes, though complex, are essential for long-term solutions.

Iloilo’s economic losses of over P3.7 billion due to the January blackout illustrate the severe impact of these power failures. This is not just a matter of inconvenience but a serious blow to the economy and the lives of those in the affected communities.

The situation demands more than temporary fixes or reactive measures. It calls for a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, NGCP, and private sector partners, to prioritize and expedite these critical projects.

Repeated blackouts are a wake-up call, a stark reminder of the urgency to act.