Catanduanes: The Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Power Corporation (NPC) have activated 5-megawatt (MW) generator sets in Catanduanes to boost supply and reduce rotational brownouts. In a statement Friday, the DOE said this is in response to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to address power supply deficiencies and strengthen the country's energy security. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin and NPC President and Chief Executive Officer Jericho Jonas Nograles led the ceremonial switch-on of the generator set on Thursday. The activation of the NPC generator is part of the government's immediate response to the power supply challenges in Catanduanes.
According to Philippines News Agency, Catanduanes has been experiencing recurring supply shortages due to generation constraints and delays in planned capacity additions, leading to rotational brownouts. The newly activated 5-MW facility will provide immediate additional capacity while other power interventions are being completed, the DOE said. It will be complemented by generator sets supplied by Isla Dagyab Energy Corporation under the Emergency Power Supply Agreement 2 (EPSA 2), which was awarded by the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. on May 29.
Once fully operational, the EPSA 2 units are expected to deliver an additional 8 MW of power to the province. Testing and commissioning activities are currently underway and are targeted for completion by June 14, with full commercial operations expected the following day.
"The activation of additional 5MW 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. "Together with the additional capacity being brought online through EPSA 2, these measures demonstrate the national government's commitment to addressing the energy needs of Catanduanes and ensuring that residents, businesses, schools, hospitals, and other vital institutions receive a more stable electricity service," she added.
